“WE WILL definitely be going to Bournemouth.”

Those are the words of one Southampton resident after the news broke that the city’s annual Christmas market will not be returning this year.

The decision was made by organisers WELA Märkte and now the council is seeking alternative options.

Commenting on the Daily Echo’s Facebook post about the decision, several people made their thoughts known.

READ MORE: Christmas market WILL NOT return to the city this year, say organisers

'What a shame'

Many said they will “definitely be visiting elsewhere”, with one reader stating, “we might have to have a trip to Winchester.”

Karen Saywell said she will travel west to enjoy a different Christmas market.

She said: “We will definitely be going to Bournemouth, it's much nicer.”

The announcement, which was made on Thursday, shocked a number of people.

Jessica Court said: “What no way! I was expecting there to be one as saw others doing Christmas markets.”

Carla Hughes added: “That’s huge part of Christmas. What a shame.”

Daily Echo: Bournemouth Christmas MarketBournemouth Christmas Market (Image: Newsquest)

Jane Whitehead said: “Hopefully they will replace it something that is actually still there on Christmas Eve.”

READ NEXT: Residents 'disappointed' Christmas market will not be going ahead

Others called on the council and those behind the festive fun to make space for independent businesses.

One commenter called for something different.

Nicholas Maroney said: “You could have an old fashioned steam fair, local craft stalls, musicians, Santa's grotto, and locally produced food and drink.

"Work with businesses in the Cultural Quarter to fill up Guildhall Square.

"Do we need to really rely on the same old every year?"

A similar thought was echoed by fellow reader Kayleigh Wallace who said: "Why don’t they offer local businesses the chance to open their own stall for Christmas and sell their products - would be a nice way for the community to support local businesses."

David John Watton-Tanner added: “Find local businesses and creators and allow them to hire out stalls to sell their items.”

What do you think should replace the market?

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook