KNUTSFORD’S Christmas Market is set to be held on the Silk Mill Street and Princess Street car parks to make it easier for everyone to social distance.

The likely switch from Princess Street is among a number of changes the town council is planning to ensure the event is safe for visitors, traders and town centre businesses.

The changes may also involve reducing the number of traders to ensure adequate space between stalls and large enough walkways to allow social distancing between visitors.

Alex Brown from the town council said: “We are exploring options to run our market differently this year to reduce crowding and ensure the market is safe for users.

“This will mostly likely mean holding the market on Silk Mill Street and Princess Street car parks rather than on Princess Street, as holding the market in its usual format would not enable social distancing at the market or for local businesses.

“Changes to the layout will enable us to space out stalls and create designated walkways with a one-way system.

“If we are required to reduce our usual number of traders this will be communicated to all applicants as soon as possible.

“We are continually monitoring the latest government advice, and our aim is to run an event that is safe and successful.

“We may choose to offer fewer weekend slots than usual to allow us to showcase a greater number of traders while still reducing overall numbers.

“We would ask that all traders please bear with us if we are unable to offer everyone weekend slots and work with us to offer trading opportunities to as many local traders as possible.”

She said it may be necessary to omit certain types of stall from the market to reduce crowding or to ensure there was no blockage to walkways, and to be able to fit in as many stalls as possible while maintaining any necessary distancing.

Alex added: “ The Christmas Market will most likely be more of a traditional market this year, with entertainment stripped back or removed to prevent crowding to allow users to safely visit their favourite traders and shop in a safe and secure way.

“We will proceed with our Park and Ride shuttle bus service which has been popular at our event for the last two years.”

The council opens applications to this year’s Christmas Market on Friday, July 17.