Bury St Edmunds star trail: Fury as more stars stolen and destroyed

One of the organisers of the theatre star trail in Bury St Edmunds says he is ‘furious’ after more of the stars were stolen and destroyed.

Mark Cordell says six of the 25 stars have been targeted on the trail since it was launched in May to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Theatre Royal and recognise performers of stage and screen who have appeared at the historic venue.

The chief executive of Our Bury St Edmunds, who spearheaded the trail with the theatre, spoke out earlier this month after a star in honour of Sir Ian McKellen was stolen twice while Lesley Garrett’s and Chris Clarkson’s were also taken.

Since then, Ian Lavender’s star has gone missing and another for Timothy West was torn up.

Mr Cordell said: “I’m furious that people think it’s okay to spoil the fun of others.

“The items are of no value so what’s in it for them?

“Coastline Graphics is providing all of the stars so it’s causing them additional work and inconvenience.

“It spoils it for people who are coming to do it and people are contacting me saying ‘this one is missing’.

“I didn’t anticipate this. They’re stuck to the floor so it isn’t as if someone is walking past and grabbing some - they’re having to make a conscious effort.

“With the school holidays, we hope it will be a great free way to entertain the children and whoever is doing this is spoiling that.”

The trail runs until Sunday, October 27.

Those taking part in the competition have to find all of the stars to be in with the chance of winning one of the prizes.

First prize will be two tickets to the Theatre Royal’s upcoming pantomime Peter Pan, while second will be two tickets to any season show at the theatre with a pre-theatre dinner at Côte Brasserie.

The other eight prizes will be gift vouchers to spend in Bury town centre businesses.

The trail leaflets and entry forms can be collected from the theatre or from various locations around the town, including the tourist information points.

For more details, visit www.ourburystedmunds.com/theatrestartrail/ where a map and entry form can be downloaded.