Christmas cancelled: Market revamp sees carols BANNED after TikTok takeover - 'New calm festive environment'
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GB NEWS
A Christmas market in east London has banned carols after its online popularity attracted too many tourists last year. Organisers have sought to create a "calm, festive environment" for visitors at Columbia Road this year.
Last year, the market was overwhelmed with tourists after its cheerful festivities attracted large crowds when an online video went viral.
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For more than ten years, locals celebrated with festive cheer, offering mulled wines and sing-alongs when they wheeled out a piano every Wednesday evening in the lead up to Christmas.
However, more than 7,000 festive fiends flocked to the market last December after an online video received over half a million views
@NickWaplington/TikTok
The tradition started out when shop owners wanted to thank local customers, handing out free drinks and keeping their doors open for late evening shopping.
Usually, the archdeacon from St Peter’s Church in Bethnal Green leads a crowd to sing more traditional Christmas carols.
However, more than 7,000 festive fiends flocked to the market last December after an online video received over half a million views. As a result, streets were filled to the brim with visitors, causing concern surrounding public safety.
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After the market last year, Reverend Heather Atkinson said that the Church had cancelled the rest of the singalong carols for the rest of the festive period.
She said: "We are grateful to God and to those working at the event that there were no serious injuries."
Preventative measures have been introduced to this year’s Christmas market in the hope that fewer people descend on the town.
Promoting the event online, Columbia Road Flower Market posted: "We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Columbia Road Christmas Wednesday late-night local shopping event.
"Without the crowds (no carols or other entertainment)."
Preventative measures have been introduced to this year’s Christmas market in the hope that fewer people descend on the town
GETTY
They added: "Let’s celebrate the local Christmas shopping plus food and drink in a calm festive environment."
The organisers have assured visitors that "warming" mince pies and mulled wine will be on hand.
Independent shops and stalls will open from 5pm until 9pm every week between November 27 and December 18.
The town does not charge an entrance fee.
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