PLANS for this year’s Christmas market in Bournemouth are going “full steam ahead” as the organiser said “we need some celebration”.

After being cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic last year, Simon Brooks of Seventa, the company organising the market, revealed what could be expected as the popular event returned.

He told the Daily Echo: “At present times we are planning full steam ahead for the outdoor event.

“Obviously we are flexible in all stages because we have to be, but we are an outdoor event and we are planning for it to go ahead.

“We are having multiple site meetings in the next couple of weeks. We have 40 Christmas market traders offering handmade gifts, food and drinks.

“We will have an Alpine Bar, and we have Christmas tree Wonderland returning which is a huge event in quality and size and BCP have some fantastic decoration features.”

Mr Brooks said 3.3million people visited the market in 2019 and hoped the footfall would be the same this year.

He added: “Everyone will love having a Christmas experience.

“It’s so exciting. I feel we need some celebration, and the Christmas market alongside Christmas Tree Wonderland is a wonderful and free-to-attend event that gives excitement and joy to people.”

Councillor Beverley Dunlop, Lead Member for Cultural Events and Bournemouth Regeneration, said:

“We are pleased to confirm that Christmas Tree Wonderland will return in 2021. Plans are currently underway and we will provide further details shortly.”

Last year, the Christmas Market and Alpine bar were cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Instead, Festive lighting was rolled out across the conurbation. Bournemouth also had a number of light installations and a Christmas Tree in the Square.

Poole town centre had decorative lighting from the Quay to Falkland Square, animations and illuminations. Christchurch featured a tree at Saxon’s Square and lighting throughout the high street.