2024-01-01 20:58:04
Despite the reduction in its offer under pressure from restaurateurs, Bô Noël Lausanne managed to attract more than 360,000 visitors, compared to 420,000 in 2022. With 39% catering, 46% boutiques/creators and 15% animations, the 2023 formula demonstrated “the public’s attachment to a lively, festive and plural Christmas market”.
“If the announced losses are confirmed – they are estimated at 150,000 francs – this 9th edition is undoubtedly a success from the point of view of attendance and the enthusiasm shown by the public from Lausanne, Vaud and those passing through”, they said. the organizers said in a press release on Monday. They underline “an avalanche of support following the restrictions imposed by the Municipality of Lausanne”.
“It’s a relief. We are very happy. It worked well, even better than hoped. We were less optimistic a month ago,” Olivier Gallandat, communications manager for Bô Noël, told Keystone-ATS. “The loss was foreseen, it had been anticipated. We will find solutions,” he explains. The 2023 budget amounted to some 1.8 million francs, according to him.
Accused of unfair competition
Compared to previous editions, the number of bars had been reduced, the hours shortened and the “silent party” on December 31, generally bringing together 3,000 people, was canceled. These measures, announced at the end of October by the Municipality, were taken to respond to criticism from the city’s restaurateurs, accusing Bô Noël of unfair competition.
The City mentioned in particular a “rebalancing” following the demands of the GastroLausanne umbrella organization and the “Who will pay the bill?” association.
The main innovation this year was that a 20 m toboggan run was set up on Place Centrale using snow recovered from the Malley ice rink. A 15 m high tree, decorated with giant baubles, had also been installed in Saint-François. An “ethical and sustainable” market and a small train linking Flon to the City were also among the new features.
“Despite several days of closure due to rain, the toboggan run welcomed more than 20,000 children’s descents. With more than 36 local creators presented in a new 200m2 setting, the new Boutique des Créateurs beat all the records”, underline the organizers.
Place du Château less attractive
The observation is more mixed for the Place du Château, which has “lost in attractiveness” despite the Big Wheel and the Igloo of the Vaudois region. “In all the places, the musical atmosphere was sorely lacking and caused the event to lose a little of its magic,” also regret those responsible.
“Despite all the pitfalls of this edition which began on November 21, Bô Noël ended in style on Sunday evening thanks to the burning of the cathedral belfry organized by the Friends of the City association. More than 5,000 people attended. are in a hurry to get through the new year,” they write once more in their press release.
They also announce that a meeting has been made in January with organizations defending the interests of Lausanne restaurateurs and merchants “in order to make the 2024 edition a unifying and imaginative celebration in the image of the city of Lausanne”.
“We already have ideas to propose to meet their expectations. Solutions are also possible with the City. We need to sit around a table and talk face to face,” notes Mr. Gallandat. He says he is “certain” that there will be a 10th edition in 2024.
This article was automatically published. Source: ats
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