Last year’s Swindon town centre Christmas market being described as a “mixed success” prompted a lot of discussion online.

Council chiefs are considering wide-ranging ideas to improve on 2024’s disappointing Christmas programme in Swindon, including axing the lights switch-on event and not having a separate market.

Storm Bert delayed the start of the festivities in 2024, which caused a knock-on effect to stallholders and visitor numbers.

But an investigation has found a lack of funds, poor planning, limited communication with businesses and an over-expansion as other factors in why the event was poorly received by the public.

The 2024 Christmas programme included a 30ft Nordman Fir tree, a lighting display on Regent Street and Theatre Square, a switch-on event, and a new Christmas Market operated by LSD Promotions.

However, many people criticised the overall experience of the market, with many stalls left........

© Swindon Advertiser