It’s that time of year again, and with the festive season well and truly upon us, Birmingham locals have much to look forward to in town! Now in its 24^th year, the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is back for another season of festive fun. Located between New Street and Victoria Square, the market will open from Friday 1^st of November 2024.

From frankfurters to hot glühwein, the annual Christmas Market is the perfect activity to get into the Christmas spirit. Now ranked the best Christmas market in the UK, there’s something for all the family, with more than 60 stalls selling tree decorations, jewellery, toys and various handmade gifts.

However, the market’s opening has yet to be entirely smooth sailing. Market organisers have faced backlash this year due to restrictions being enforced at the famous tourist event.

Rule One: One-drink Policy

Attendees have deemed a controversial rule ‘stupid’, as new signs have appeared on stalls, introducing a ‘one-drink policy.’ A rule first trialled last year, the community are angered to see it making a comeback this year. The signs stated: ‘One drink per person. We ask for your understanding that we are only allowed to sell one alcoholic drink per person. This is part of a campaign to ensure that alcoholic drinks are not being bought for market visitors who are underage.’ Visitors under 25 have also been told to have ID readily available ‘for checking by the bar staff.’

Local university student Lucy Nash exclusively told Redbrick, ‘I feel the one drink policy is unfair for market buyers. If you are willing to follow the rules, and everybody shows valid ID, we should be allowed to drink more.’

The Glass Deposit System

The glass deposit system has also returned after successfully reducing theft in previous years. This means visitors are looking at paying a £5 deposit for a mug or glass and a £7 deposit for a double pint glass, which is refundable upon return of the item. However, visitors have been warned that there is a ‘no deposit return’ rule if the glasses or mugs are returned damaged.

Public Space Protection Order

Further rules have been employed to combat antisocial behaviour in the city centre during the festive season. One sign has been erected near Chamberlain Square at the edge of the market, warning attendees, ‘No alcohol to be taken beyond this point.’ Further measures have also been introduced, such as a Public Space Protection Order in force across the entire city centre. Those who break the rules face fines of up to £100.