Find Wakefield district traders all in one place at online Christmas market

The Official Wakefield District Christmas Market Online, which can be found on Facebook, was established by Coun Michael Graham and resident Helen Antcliff to give traders a place to advertise their products.

The pair hope that in the absence of high street shops and market stalls, people will be able to browse their favourite places and find some new gems.

Coun Graham said: “We know business across the district have suffered a lot during lockdown and lots of shops across the district might not have the platform in place to let people know they are still trading.”

And he backed the Express support local campaign encouraging reader to support independent traders.

He said: “Every year the Express really pushes out that we need to support local business.

“As our local media it is inspiring and reminds us we all have a part to play.” The changing restrictions throughout the year have meant businesses finding new ways to adapt.

Ossett Brewery owns pubs across the county. It reported decent trade when pubs were allowed to reopen but the new tiered system and lockdown has dealt a blow.

The brewery is selling beer that can be collected from the brewery site itself or any of the pubs if ordered in advance.

Owner Jamie Lawson said: “We need a call to arms to support all local breweries, not just Ossett.”

Breakfast at Tracy’s in Castleford is one business that has branched out to stay afloat.

Owner Tracy Wallace reopened on July 4 when the rules were relaxed and people were once again allowed to sit down inside premises for food and drink.

She said the introduction of the Tier 2 system, which meant people from different households and support bubbles were not allowed to mix at the same table, were hugely damaging.

Since the blanket lockdown for England was introduced earlier this month she has relied on her takeaway food service, even introducing Sunday dinners, which the cafe did not previously provide.

She said: “We just want everything to go back to normal and ride it through and hope everything opens again on December 2.”

Jenny Thompson, who owns Qubana, Robatary and Fino in the city centre said: “Supporting local has never been so vital.

“Our customers have been incredible during this lockdown period and their support has been overwhelming’

The three restaurants are running an online delivery service at www.palmhomedining.co.uk or by calling the individual restaurant. A 15 per cent discount code can be found on the website.

Crofton based graphic designer Kathryn Coopey started her business during the first lockdown. Supplying work to people through the Wakefield and Five Towns area, she hopes that the work she does can help other businesses advertise themselves to customers.

She said: “I’m passionate about working together with businesses across Wakefield and the five towns to help them grow and succeed.

“Whether that’s by building them a bespoke website to bring in more customers, creating flyers to advertise their products and services, or a full rebrand.” I know a lot of businesses are suffering at the moment and I want to urge them to contact me for a chat about how I can help.”

If you would like to see your business in our coverage please contact the Express at [email protected].