It’s beginning to look a bit like Christmas…

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market will start to take shape this weekend, as the city prepares for the festive attraction’s return next month.

The distinctive chalets, bars and landmark Christmas tree, will start taking shape when work on building the market begins tomorrow (23 October).

The return of the Frankfurt Christmas Market on 4 November 2021 will help bring some festive cheer back to the city centre, after the popular event was cancelled due to the pandemic last year.

This year’s event which runs until 23 December will be smaller, with 56 stalls, with ongoing public realm works in Victoria Square.

The market, which celebrates its 21st year, brings with it the traditional festive aroma of hot gluhwein, schnitzel and spicy sausage, which will fill New Street and Victoria Square for seven weeks.

This year’s event comes with the caveat of change or cancellation, should Covid restrictions come back into effect during the winter.

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of Birmingham’s great festive events, attracting millions of people to the city centre – so it’s great to see it return for its 21st year after it was cancelled due to the pandemic last year.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in planning and staging the market who works so hard, all year round, to make this such a well-run and special festive event.”

Kurt Stroscher, Frankfurt City Council’s Director of Festivals and Events, said: “We are so happy to come back to Birmingham this year and looking forward to seeing people enjoying the market’s festive cheer – we’ve missed being part of the city’s Christmas celebrations.

“Last year’s decision to cancel the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market was made with a very heavy heart. In planning this year’s return we’ve introduced Covid safety measures to ensure we protect the public, traders and visitors.”

The big wheel and ice rink also return to Centenary Square, and will open from 4 November 2021 until 9 January 2022, between 10am and 10pm (except on Christmas Day). For more information and to book tickets visit www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk

For more information about the city’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, please visit www.thebfcm.co.uk