Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre cancelled this year

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre has been cancelled this year to help public services concentrate on tackling the coronavirus crisis and support businesses across West Suffolk.

West Suffolk Council says the move frees up officer time and resources to support businesses now and their recovery in the future.

It follows instructions from the Government not to tie up public and emergency services in events so they can concentrate on prioritising COVID-19 actions.

Cllr John Griffiths, leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “We know how popular the fayre is and it is with a heavy heart we have taken this decision.

"But in the circumstances, and when you see events like the Olympics being postponed, it is the right one. Planning for the Christmas Fayre is a massive task and much has to be planned or booked now.

"Postponing it this year means we and our emergency service partners can continue to concentrate on helping our businesses and communities through this difficult time.

"It also means that we can free up resources to not only help residents and businesses across West Suffolk who are facing hardships now but also in their economic recovery down the road.

"We understand many may be disappointed, but this really is the sensible way forward to ensure we focus on helping our businesses and emergency services to weather the current challenges brought by the pandemic.

" It will also hopefully put us all in a better position, come Christmas, to celebrate and help businesses in Bury St Edmunds and throughout West Suffolk make the most of the festive season."

Cllr Peter Thompson, mayor of Bury St Edmunds, said while he was 'disappointed', he hoped there was potential to hold a series of smaller events to celebrate Christmas.