New tender opportunity to manage Southampton’s Christmas and weekly markets
Working in partnership with GO! Southampton and Southampton Forward, Southampton City Council is delighted to announce a new tender opportunity for experienced Service Providers to arrange, deliver and manage Southampton’s annual Christmas Market and weekly markets in the city centre and Bitterne from 2024 to 2028
The opportunity opens on Friday 6 October and can be accessed online.
Southampton’s Christmas Market attracts residents and visitors from across the region and enables them to experience a range of festive and cultural activities as well as international foods, goods and crafts. It has become a popular event in the seasonal calendar and supports the local economy, boosting footfall, sales, small businesses, and creates new job opportunities.
Building on Southampton’s rich history of markets dating back to medieval times, the city council is also seeking a Service Provider to deliver a high-quality weekly market that complements the city centre offer and appeals to both residents and visitors.
The market should feature a wide variety of produce as well as hot and cold food and drinks. The market will offer a platform to support small and independent businesses in the area, helping to create a sense of community and support for local producers. It will also promote sustainable and ethical consumption by offering a range of products that meet these standards.
Councillor Satvir Kaur, Leader of Southampton City Council said:
“Markets are an integral part of our city’s dynamic culture, serving as a hub for residents to support local businesses and discover exceptional food and goods. As the daughter of a market stall trader growing up I appreciate their value to our community. That’s why we’re delighted to invite Service Providers to join us in managing our markets, presenting a unique opportunity to participate in something special and enhance the market experience for all.”
Stephen Manion, Executive Director at GO! Southampton said:
“GO! Southampton welcomes the presence of a vibrant weekly market, which attracts residents and visitors to the city centre with its choice of fresh produce and showcase of local businesses. We look forward to working closely with the successful operator.”
Claire Whitaker, CEO of Southampton Forward said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for the city as well a new service provider, to come on board and enhance our Christmas offering. We are really pleased to be working in partnership with GO! Southampton and Southampton City Council on this opportunity and look forward to seeing how the new Service Provider will be able to add to the city’s yearly events calendar, providing the local community and visitors with a fantastic market for all to enjoy.”
The successful Service Providers will be responsible for delivering memorable experiences and successful markets that benefit businesses, visitors and residents. More information about these opportunities and how to submit a tender is available online:
