Where Christmas markets should be, the city centres are empty

Normally, the UK's city centres would be packed with people visiting Christmas markets, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are currently deserted.

A new series of eerie comparison photos shows empty streets in Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds and Bath alongside scenes of busy holiday activity from years past.

Every year, millions of visitors flock to the winter wonderland to enjoy the rides and stalls selling handmade gifts, bratwurst, mince pies and mulled wine.

But the attractions are cancelled this year and the comparison provides a sobering view of Christmas 2020.

Edinburgh

Leeds

There was no Ferris wheel to be seen in Centenary Square in Birmingham this week and the bright Christmas lights in front of Bath Abbey were also missing.

Manchester Town Hall looked more like a boarded-up construction site on what would normally be the entrance to the city's popular market.

Over 2.6 million people visited Edinburgh last winter, but the usually colourful East Princes Street Gardens are now in darkness.

And the empty Millennium Square makes Leeds seem like a ghost town rather than full of revelers getting into the holiday spirit.

Birmingham

Watch: These popular Christmas markets in Europe will not open in 2020

Council leaders had previously expressed their disappointment at having to cancel their famous Christmas markets due to public health concerns.

An estimated 14 million Britons take part in these events each year, bringing a £3 billion boost to the economy.

The Frankfurt Christmas market in Birmingham, which attracts around five million visitors every year, will not take place in the city for the first time since 2001.

Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of Birmingham's biggest festive events, attracting millions of people to the city centre, so it is disappointing that we cannot host the market this year.”

“But I welcome the organizer’s decision to put the health and safety of the public first.”

Birmingham

Most seasonal events were cancelled earlier this year before the UK's second lockdown, making Christmas planning even more uncertain.

But on Wednesday it was announced that families may be able to spend Christmas together as the government plans to temporarily ease COVID-19 restrictions.

According to the Times, ministers are considering proposals to extend the family support bubble to two or three households for a few days over the holidays.

Just last week, government scientists warned that ongoing restrictions would likely last into December and over Christmas to keep a second wave under control.

Photos: SWNS

Watch: Here are Britain's biggest Christmas markets

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