Despite reducing its offerings under pressure from restaurateurs, Bô Noël Lausanne managed to attract over 360,000 visitors, compared to 420,000 in 2022. With 39% for food, 46% for shops/creators, and 15% for entertainment, the 2023 formula demonstrated “the public’s attachment to a lively, festive, and diverse Christmas market.”
“If the reported losses are confirmed – estimated at 150,000 francs – this 9th edition is undeniably a success in terms of attendance and enthusiasm shown by the people of Lausanne, Vaud, and passers-by,” the organizers said in a statement Monday. They highlight “an outpouring of support following the restrictions imposed by the Lausanne Municipal Council.”
“It’s a relief. We are very happy. It worked well, even better than expected. We were less optimistic a month ago,” said Olivier Gallandat, communications manager for Bô Noël, to Keystone-ATS. “The loss was expected, it had been anticipated. We will find solutions,” he explained. According to him, the 2023 budget was around 1.8 million francs.
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, which usually attracts 3000 people, was canceled. These measures, announced at the end of October by the Municipal Council, were taken in response to criticisms from the city’s restaurateurs, accusing Bô Noël of unfair competition.
The City mentioned a “rebalancing” following the demands of the GastroLausanne umbrella organization and the “Who will pay the bill?” association.
The main innovation this year was a 20m toboggan run in the Central Square, thanks to the snow recovered from the Malley ice rink. A 15m high fir tree, adorned with giant baubles, was also installed in Saint-François. An “ethical and sustainable” market and a small train connecting the Flon to the Cité were also among the novelties.
“Despite several days of closure due to rain, the toboggan run welcomed over 20,000 children’s descents. With over 36 local creators presented in a new 200m2 setting, the new Creators’ Boutique broke all records,” the organizers emphasized.
Less attractive Château Square
The assessment is more mixed for Château Square, which “lost appeal” despite the Ferris wheel and the Vaud terroir igloo. “Throughout all the squares, the musical atmosphere was sorely lacking and took away some of the magic from the event,” the organizers also regretted.
“Despite all the obstacles of this edition, which started on November 21, Bô Noël ended beautifully on Sunday evening thanks to the lighting of the cathedral’s belfry organized by the Friends of the Cité association. Over 5000 people flocked there to ring in the New Year,” they also wrote in their statement.
They also announced that a meeting had been scheduled in January with organizations defending the interests of Lausanne’s restaurateurs and merchants “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 down at the table and talk face to face,” Mr. Gallandat noted. He is “certain” that there will be a 10th edition in 2024.
This article was published automatically. Source: ats
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