But the organizing duo still went ahead, with a disappointing final result. “We are all disappointed, unfortunately. There were far too few visitors. The choice of the site played a role because even if we are not far from the center, we are too far outside. At least enough for the Verviétois don’t come. In terms of attendance figures, we only had one percent of Verviétois at most! People came from the whole region except from here, which is a shame especially since Verviétois likes to complain. that nothing ever happens in the city… We even had a good number of tourists coming from Tournai, Flanders,…”
Then the organizers point out the location again. “The Belgacom site is too big and the chalets are too spaced apart. It is not decorated enough for Christmas by the City, particularly rue du Collège where there is nothing. Not forgetting the entrance to the ice rink, which is too far at the front of the market and which does not invite people who come to skate to stay and take a look at the market. Or the weather, which also played a role This year, we were not spoiled by. time. Of the 22 days the market was open, we had 18 days of rain.” All this is very disappointing both for the organizing team and for the Horeca establishments which played the game. “In addition, we had a great program in terms of entertainment, the passage of the bullfight,… It’s a lot of work for us. We must remember that we are a non-profit organization and therefore volunteers. It’s disappointing but who doesn’t try nothing has nothing.”
Martyr’s Square or Green Square
We therefore understand that this new formula has had its first but also its last edition in this format. What will happen to the future of the Christmas market? “We don’t yet know if we’re going to organize it in the future. We’re really hesitant. But if we do it again, it will then be in the usual format, over four days, in the center. So Place du Martyr or Place Verte. With a roof and with half craftsmen and half for Horeca And we are also asking for more support from the city, especially in terms of communication. lots of help with this subject. If the aldermen want a Christmas market, we need more support!”
