THE St Nicholas Fayre boomed in popularity this year and visitor numbers have rocketed by 74 percent, council figures show.

Almost 250,000 people flocked to the fayre over the four days last week, up by 106,000 since 2012.

On Saturday alone, 85,000 people visited the fayre, and some stall holders saw their takings up by as much as a third, City of York Council reported.

Coun Sonja Crisp, cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, has called the figures “extremely impressive”.

She said: “Records began in 2009 when cameras were installed to record footfall. Since then they have indicated that the reputation of the market is going from strength to strength.

“We were also fortunate this year to enjoy perfect weather for Christmas shopping.”

Scores of visitors came on 350 pre-booked coaches and the council estimates that another 150 coaches arrived over the four-day period, she added.

The fayre started in 1992 and has run each December since.

Council leader James Alexander added: “St Nicholas Fayre is a great event not just for traders but also for city centre retailers, restaurants, bars and businesses.

“There are lots of reasons why Christmas shoppers choose York, but these figures prove that St Nicholas Fayre is undoubtedly an important attraction for the city’s economy.”

  • City of York Council has confirmed figures quoted for 2013 and 2012 come from a single camera fixed outside Marks and Spencer on Parliament Street. In previous years two cameras have been used to record footfall at the fayre.