Councillors have sought reassurance ahead of the planned opening of Nottingham's Christmas Market following the "disaster" last year.
Nottingham's Winter Wonderland event was cancelled just a day after it opened during the festive period of 2020.
Despite stalls and rides being set up the city hit the national headlines as huge crowds descended on the market, prompting concerns over a lack of social distancing at a time when Nottingham had some of the highest Covid infection rates in the country.
The event opened on Saturday, December 5 and was suspended after just 24 hours, before being closed permanently.
The Mellors Group, which organises the event, made a statement alongside the city council at the time, with one councillor admitting "we got it wrong."
Christmas 2021 is starting along a similar path, with the Christmas Market set to go ahead at a time when Covid cases are creeping up in Nottingham, and this has prompted concerns from some councillors.
During a full council meeting on Monday, November 8, Clifton East ward councillor Kirsty Jones, for the Nottingham Independents, said: "We were delighted to learn about the return of the Christmas Market to Nottingham city centre and I for one cannot wait to visit, however last year's event, despite warnings beforehand, was a disaster and the national news coverage for it was an embarrassment for the city.
"Can the portfolio holder outline the steps taken to ensure it is a safe event and provide reassurances we will not have a repeat of last year?"
Responding to the question councillor Eunice Campbell-Clarke, the portfolio holder for leisure, culture and schools who represents the Bulwell Forest ward, said: "The range of seasonal activities will therefore be spread across Old Market Square, Smithy Row and Long Row.
"We have been mindful of the issues of last year's event and we acknowledge its importance to maintain a balance of keeping people safe and urging caution, while also allowing people to enjoy [it].
"Planning for all events over the past 18 months has been challenging.
"There were specific reasons why higher than expected numbers attended events in 2020 that are not relevant this year.
"Our events plan of Christmas 2021 allows for amendments or adjustments that may be needed due to Government advice of legislation.
"The attractions will be dispersed over a wider part of the city centre allowing easier circulation."
Market stalls, a 33m-high wheel and the popular helter-skelter are currently being put up in Old Market Square.
They are part of the scaled-back Winter Wonderland and festive market that will begin as the lights across the city are switched on from Monday, November 15.
It is set to run until Friday, December 31, with certain elements and attractions all subject to the latest advice from the Government throughout the duration.
Councillor Campbell-Clarke added: "[The] reduced scale and dispersed offer of the events and attractions in the city centre will still ensure Nottingham remains one of the best seasonal destinations this Christmas."
