BUSINESSES and families have said they are disappointed and sad that Southampton's Christmas market has been axed.
Organisers announced yesterday that the market and flying Santa experience will not be going ahead this year.
WELA Märkte, which runs the market, confirmed it will not be returning to the city.
READ MORE: Christmas market WILL NOT return to the city this year, say organisers
Businesses have said they are "disappointed" with the decision.
Nan Steward, manager of the Claremont Guest House at The Polygon, said: "For us, it is a bit disappointing. We normally support the Christmas market.
"The children love the Christmas market. It is going to affect our business. The hotel needs a lot of people to visit."
Paula Kituli, founder of the Pink Door Cake Company on Portland Street, agreed that it is "disappointing".
She told the Echo: "It is disappointing. We always go every year. We did not expect it. Hopefully it will still be quite festive on the Southampton high street."
But she said the impact it may have on the business is "hard to say" as they have only been open a year.
Residents are also sad to hear the news.
City resident Abi Jeffrey said she usually goes to the Winchester Christmas market anyway.
The 30-year-old told the Echo: "It is not as good as the Winchester market. I would go to that anyway.
"(But) it's one of those things that happens every year. It is sad. I think it brings a lot of people to the city.
"All the local businesses who have stalls there would have been looking forward to getting that income."
"I think that it will be very sad," added Henry Chon.
The 28-year-old moved to Southampton from Hong Kong in May.
He said: "In December everyone is happy to celebrate this event and I will miss the vibe.
"(I am) very disappointed because I recently moved here and was looking forward to this event."
Mum Shannelle Taylor said she feels "a bit annoyed and disappointed".
"We were looking forward to that this year. I have been going for as long as I can remember. It is unfortunate," she said.
She added that she may go to the Winchester market so her one-year-old Jason can see a display.
She said: "More than likely we will go to Winchester if we can get there, so that he can see a Christmas display."
She said it was a shame for families who may not be able to travel "for the kids' sake".
READ MORE: This is what’s happening at Christmas in Southampton - Full list
There will still be other festivities in the city, with a Christmas lights and switch-on event on November 17.
Santa will be at Tudor House and the ice rink is returning to Westquay.
Southampton City Art Gallery and SeaCity Museum are hosting events from wreath making to history talks.
Visit Southampton is also putting on a festive walking trail - The Great Elf Investigation - from November 23.
The Mayflower's Goldilocks and The Three Bears panto is running from December 10 to 31.
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