A new Christmas village planned to open in Bristol next month is in doubt after the planning application was withdrawn suddenly. The Bristol Christmas Village would have been located in Castle Park across three sites but its fate is now uncertain.
The village was scheduled to run from Thursday, November 14 until Sunday, January 5 from 10am to 10.30pm. It would have spread out across the park, operating at St Peter’s Square, a site near the Wine Street entrance and the open area near Castle Street.
But Bristol City Council’s planning portal shows that the entire application for planning permission has been withdrawn as of Monday, October 7. All the documents associated with the project have been removed.
It is unclear whether planning permission was granted or denied, or whether the Premises License, applied for in August, was denied. The applicant Relevention Limited has been contacted for comment.
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Plans for the village showed that a number of Christmas trees were to be placed in Castle Park with decorations, silk lights and statues. Children’s rides would be located on the west side of the park and near Castle Street would be more rides, games and options for food.
The main facilities and attractions would have been located at St Peter’s Square, a short walk from the Christmas Market, also organised by Relevention Limited. A number of games and a roller-skating rink would be installed within the square, while a VR tent with skiing and snowboarding games would be available and visitors would be able to play curling. A large Christmas tree would be located next to the rink, and a mulled wine bar, food areas and a stage would also be installed.
The uncertainty around the Christmas Village is not affecting the status of the Christmas Market, due to return from November 1 at Broadmead. More than 35 stalls will be available alongside the Jäger Barn Bar and a candy-themed escape room first introduced last year.