A LOCAL tipi company which has been at the heart of Barnsley’s Christmas Market for the last few years admit they’re frustrated the council hasn’t allowed them to operate this year.

Brett Jackson, the owner and founder of the tipi firm alongside his wife Bronte Jackson, has been operating in the Glass Works and wider town centre for a number of years, spreading Christmas cheer.

But this year they’ve been unable to operate due to a rule regarding their space being on the highway network - something Brett admits is incredibly frustrating.

He told the Chronicle: “We really wanted to come back to the town centre this year but the council have said that we’re not allowed.

“It’s a real shame that we’ve not been allowed there this year.

“We think that the space is a pedestrian area and it’s been fenced off so no cars can go there anyway.

“We want to come back but the council aren’t allowing that.

“I’m Barnsley-born and bred and I want to help out in the town by doing these events.

“After seeing the reaction from people online I think it’s clear that people want us to come back.”

A spokesperson for Barnsley Council told the Chronicle: “Following planning permission being granted for a tipi to be erected over the 2024 festive period near the Tommy Taylor Memorial Bridge, we were made aware that the area has the status of designated highway, prohibiting the erection of any temporary or permanent structures.

“Previously, a tipi has been positioned on the Glass Works and 2024 marked the first year a structure was placed in this area.

“As this area is a designated highway, and due to the return of the mining sculpture by artist Kenny Hunter, unveiled in August 2025 which now limits the space, as well as lessons learned from 2024, including adverse weather and ensuring access for maintenance and amenities, we recognise that this area is unsuitable for a temporary structure of this size.

“Earlier this year we informed Tipi Events of this, alongside our plans for Christmas 2025, which includes a Christmas market and bar offer on the Glass Works’ square.

“Tipi Events were invited to submit a proposal for 2025, which they declined.

“Our Christmas Market this year is designed to attract footfall into the town centre and encourage visitors to shop and support the fantastic businesses we have across Barnsley throughout the festive period.”