Christmas in Bath will be different this year.

The council has just announced that following advice from Public Health on coronavirus , the traditional Christmas Market will regrettably not be able to take place.

Kathryn Davis, Chief Executive of Visit Bath, said: "It is disappointing that we cannot hold the Christmas Market this year, but I hope everyone will understand the reason for this decision and the early notice we are giving. We fully understand the value of the Bath Christmas Market to the city, but public safety and preventing the spread of Covid-19 has to come first.

"We are pro-actively working with partners across the city to create a Christmas event in Bath that will still support our local economy, but in a way that can be adapted as needed and disperses visitors across the city.

"So there will still be an exciting programme of events in the run up to Christmas. Bath & North East Somerset Council, Visit Bath, Bath BID and Bath Festivals are all working together to create a four week programme which will include dressing the city, music and entertainment, cultural events, street stalls and artisan food; all part of a Christmas celebration for residents and visitors alike and all delivered in a Covid-secure way."

Councillor Dine Romero, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: "A great deal of planning has to go into Bath Christmas Market and so a decision had to be taken now. We echo the sadness that the market is not happening this year but welcome the decision to put public health and people's safety first. Thanks need to go to everyone who makes it such a well-run and special festive feature. Our message is that Bath is still open, however Christmas will look a little different this year so we can all enjoy it safely and we hope to be back to normal next year and celebrating the 20th Christmas market."