Cathedral cities at war over rival Christmas markets An open air ice rink, live music, and wooden chalets selling a range of food and handmade gifts are said to boost sales in nearby shops by 25 per cent. Ian Newman, chairman of Salisbury City Centre Management, hopes Salisbury's new Christmas market will help claw back some customers. He said: "A lot of traders in Salisbury were angry when Winchester tried to steal our customers by placing an advert in our city centre. They first did it last year and have done so again this year. In the current economic climate every customer is crucial and we cannot afford to lose them to other cities. If shoppers go to Winchester and don't spend their money here it could force our traders out of business. Mr Newman acknowledged Winchester were free to advertise wherever they wished and admitted they offer a "great" market. But he added: "People who visit Christmas markets often make a day of it and spend money in other shops, cafes and restaurants. We are told they can be worth upwards of 1.5 million pounds for a city, so it is very important for us. It's a friendly rivalry and we are all vying for customers. Salisbury City Centre Management have spent 160,000 pounds on 56 chalets, which they will also be able to use in future years. That sum includes 12,000 pounds on promoting the market out of the county, on adverts such as the one in Winchester. Charlotte Barnaville, from Winchester Christmas Market, welcomed the competition. She said: "The advert in Salisbury formed part of our wider marketing campaign and was not targeted specifically at them. We just want people to be aware of our event and are not trying to 'steal' customers. However, our poster does seem to have spurred them on and it is nice to have a bit of friendly competition between two great historic cities. She added: "Our advert in Salisbury was so successful last year we have got one there again in exactly the same spot. We are not overly concerned by their efforts because we are confident we still offer the best market and Christmas entertainment in England. The Winchester Christmas market is great for businesses in our city and pulls in shoppers from miles around. The Salisbury Christmas market runs from November 29 to December 16 and the Winchester market from November 22 to December 23. The Salisbury Christmas market website says: "The Christmas market will be made up of at least 56 pretty, cosy wooden chalets, beautifully decorated with white pea lights and festive swags, nestled among lots of twinkly real Christmas trees." It adds: "Inspired by the best of traditional German Christmas Markets, the Salisbury Christmas Market will be tasteful and beautifully arranged, to complement the distinguished nature of many of the shops and businesses already in the city." The Winchester website says: "Founded in 2006, the Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe. It is renowned for its unique location, high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere. Wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods can be found in abundance.