Tender for the Provision of Dundee Christmas Village

This procurement process is for the contract the provision of a Christmas Village within the Dundee City Centre.

Dundee’s annual events portfolio offers a rich and varied programme of attractions, activities and celebrations throughout the year which are designed to attract visitors to the city, to improve the quality of life of those who live or work in Dundee, and to strengthen Dundee’s image and reputation. As part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to improving the city’s cultural and event offering, Dundee City Council seeks competent proposals for the delivery of Dundee’s Christmas Village 2024.

Previously, Dundee’s Christmas activities have taken place in City Square and Slessor Gardens, over a 6-week period, starting the fourth week in November and ending on the first week in January. Previous events featured a range of elements, including a real ice rink, food & drink outlets, chalet markets featuring a wide range of makers and traders, family attractions, rides, and a Santa’s grotto.

It is Dundee City Council’s ambition to continue to improve the city’s celebrations by hosting the main Christmas Village in Dundee’s City Square in 2024 which should include the following elements.

The requirement is for a Christmas Village in City Square, which operates 7 days a week and features listed below.

A real ice rink, minimum size of 10m x 20m, managed by the appointed company, providing an authentic ice-skating experience for visitors.

A varied food and drink offering that provides a sense of place to Dundee and caters for a range of tastes and dietary requirements.

A funfair, which has an appropriate mix of traditional, family, and thrill rides. These should be themed appropriately for the season.  Traditional elements that align with the weight restriction and site capacity will be considered.

Associated theming and dressing, including but not limited to, Christmas decorations, light features, projections, background music and designed site signage.

We expect the operator to allocate a minimum of 20% of market spaces to local traders, thereby promoting community engagement and supporting local businesses.

It is anticipated that to deliver these elements, the winning contractor will be required to hire equipment and to work with third parties to put suitable arrangements in place. Competent specialists should be used for each aspect where this is not available in-house.

In addition to responsibility for the areas above, the management of the Village, including but not limited to stewarding, first aid, staffing, and emergency evacuation will also remain the responsibility of the winning contractor of this tender as well as marketing and promotion.