The PROJECT

Central to the entertainment is a fantastic Santa’s Magical Circus, as well as an outdoor ice-rink, festive story telling and the chance to meet Santa’s reindeers, as well as a selection of festive rides such as Santa’s Magical Train.

Attracting around 20,000 visitors a week, Continental Marketplace delivered a traditional Christmas market as well as fully stocked and staffed Bavarian Bar.

Featuring individual illuminated fully powered traditional chalets, the festive market featured an inspiring range of arts and crafts retailers along with festive gifts and foods.
As well as the significant footfall, retailers also benefited from an extensive marketing campaign encouraging the strong visitor numbers.

PRODUCT VARIETY

Adhering to the strict guidelines set by Glasgow City Council we ensured that no two vendors with the same product operated at one market. The experience we conceived provided an extensive variety of continental goods as well as fun, engaging, family-focused seasonal activities which enhanced the ambiance thereby encouraging visitors to not only extend their visit but also return to the event. Activities included: carol singers, stilt walkers, street performers and performances from local community groups as well as the Salvation Army.

George Square came alive with over fifty traders from across the globe (as well as closer to home) selling artisan products and high quality crafts. Plus, our stunning 15 metre Christmas tree was a sight to behold.

St Enoch Square was host to our beautifully dressed Christmas village of over fifty seasonal chalets featuring a variety of cuisine including local crispy duck rotisserie, bratwurst sausage, crepes and hog roast. We installed two new German bars, serving traditional beers and Glühwein as well as a magnificent feature German windmill.

To add to the atmosphere we provided a vintage Helter-Skelter as well as a vintage carousel and these were incredibly popular, however we also organised for a daily Advent Calendar event whereby everyone could meet Santa as he handed out treats to the children.

As supporters of National Autistic Society Scotland, M&D Leisure were committed to ensuring that George Square Market was autism-friendly. Our staff at the Christmas Market had undertaken specialised training to assist in improving the Christmas Market experience for autistic visitors and their families. Until the close of the Glasgow Christmas Market at George Square a quiet room was available for short breaks form the market. A limited number of noise reduction headsets were available to borrow during a market visit. Our traders and market mangers were onsite to answer any questions and all trained staff members were identifiable by their badges.

SAFETY

Safety is always M&D Leisure’s primary focus. Our afore-noted safety measures were standard however for additional security at this event we placed five large one-tonne intermediate bulk container’s (IBC’s) at the entrance gate opposite Millennium Hotel (which was highlighted as the area of greatest concern) and dressed these to look like large Christmas presents.

Regarding the St Enoch’s site we were made aware through the portal that mains power would not be made available and we would therefore employ a further latest generation generator again incorporating catalytic converters that will minimise the impact on the environment and will fulfil the green credentials being pursued by the Council and ourselves in all of our operations.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS / SOCIAL VALUE

We liaised with City of Glasgow College to offer work experience placements for events’ students however due to time restraints, the students were preparing for exams and unable to take time out from studies.

To ensure that the facilities were accessible to all, we created portable ramps to ensure that all areas of the market were accessible. Accessible toilets were also available across both sites and waiter service was available at all bars to those who were unable to access the bar area. Where possible, M&D Leisure use local produce, recyclable packaging and Fair-trade products. We also prefer to associate with suppliers and recruit traders who have similar values.

EVENT SUCCESS & LINKS

• Approximately one million visitors to Glasgow Loves Christmas Markets
• Average spend per person attending £6.50 (based on turnover and estimated number of visitors)
• Approximately £6,500,000 economic impact
• The markets created 584 jobs were created for the City

The below links provide further information and a variety of pictures depicting the stalls, vendors, food and activities provided at the market.

Glasgow Christmas Markets back again with even more delicious food

Visiting Glasgow's Christmas Markets

Glasgow Christmas Markets

THE DELIVERY TEAM

They key members of delivery team for this event were:

• Matthew Taylor Snr, Managing Director
• Matthew Taylor Jnr, Event Manager
• Marc Taylor, Event Manager
• Jensen Taylor-Connell, Event Coordinator
• Sue Taylor, Events Coordinator

Of note, Sue had overall responsibility for recruiting and managing traders, communicating and attending meetings with Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life. Sue managed all compliance documents and PR as well as dealing with all complaints and organising Market Research and Economic Impact Reports for the Glasgow Loves Christmas 2017 event. Sue worked closely at the Glasgow Loves Christmas event and was instrumental in its delivery and coordinating the traders.