So Bradford has said auf wiedersehen to its German Christmas market, which has packed up two weeks early.

The traders have blamed a lack of trade for their decision to dismantle the stalls on Centenary Square and return to Germany.

This is a real shame, because such markets have proved a roaring success in other cities, and add a much-needed festive joviality in these tough times.

However, no-one can argue with the fact that the traders simply aren’t making enough money to fulfil their contract to remain in Bradford until December 21.

Perhaps those in authority who booked the market event need to have a good, long think about why it wasn’t a success. Why weren’t local people sufficiently attracted to the stalls? Was enough done to promote it as an ongoing event?

Similarly, those of us who have not even visited the market must ask ourselves ‘why?’... especially if we are also the types of people who regularly bemoan the lack of shopping opportunities in Bradford city centre.

Events like this will not thrive and fulfil their potential without support.

It must be said, though, that there have been many criticisms that the German market was somewhat lacking in the traditional crafts and food that we expect from this type of event. There also seems to be a feeling that much of the produce on sale was too expensive.

Perhaps more thought is required all round if such an event is to be repeated – and be a success – next year.