Visit Bath – the Council-funded organisation responsible for the city’s annual Christmas Market – has a new man in the ‘driving seat’ following the sudden departure of David James.
Craig Jenkins has been appointed Executive Chairman and now has the job of promoting what he calls ‘a global brand’ and wants to work to build links with the visual and performing arts and the growing media sector.
Considering myself to be part of that l approached Visit Bath for an interview to find out if a sudden change at the top would impact on planning for this years event which – if planning permission is given – will extend the wooden chalets up into Milsom Street.
Press officer Emma Frayling told me:
“Craig’s time is pretty restricted at the moment so he would prefer to have questions from you on this occasion and I’ll forward on his answers.”
Below are my questions and Craig’s answers – in italics – alongside.
- Why has David James left? To persue other interests
- How will his leaving impact on this years Christmas Market? No impact
- To what extent will work at Bath Abbey and York Street likely to impact on revenue? No impact as footprint has been re-adjusted
- How do you rate your chances of getting permission to extend up Milsom Street? Very strong
- How is this going to impact on shops and traffic flow? Great for shops as we’re spreading the footfall
- Tell me what’s new about 2018? Going up Milsom Street and working with a designer to create decorations from single-use plastic
- There is always criticism that there is nothing for the kids. The Abbey Hotel has the snow globe but, while you provide entertainment for adults in your chalet pubs, there is nothing for children. Many people want to see the return of the carousel as part of the event. The carousel returned last year and will be back again this year – after the market has finished.
