Indoor activities to go ahead after Stowmarket Christmas Fayre cancelled due to Storm Bert

Despite the cancellation of a town's main Christmas event, indoor festive activities are still available for families to enjoy.

This year’s Stowmarket Christmas Fayre was set to host 60 food and drink traders in Ipswich Street as well as offering fairground rides, live music and even ice-skating at the Food Museum grounds.

However, due to Storm Bert hitting the county this weekend, Stowmarket Town Council made the difficult decision yesterday to cancel the main events due to safety concerns.

Cllr Colin Lay said: “Unfortunately, due to the weather forecast, many towns across the country, including Stowmarket, have had to make the difficult decision to cancel their Christmas events this weekend.

“Strong gusty winds of over 50mph are expected, which pose significant safety risks.

“For large events like the Stowmarket Christmas Fayre, early decisions are essential to inform the public, traders, businesses, and event partners, as many people involved in organising the event are already preparing, ordering stock, arranging food, and making travel arrangements, among many other behind-the-scenes tasks.

“Despite the hard work of Town Council staff, local partners, businesses, traders, and the public’s excitement for the event, safety must come first.

“Regrettably, this means that a very difficult decision had to be made to cancel the Stowmarket Christmas Fayre this year.

“I’m sure most people will agree that, despite the huge disappointment, this is the most sensible decision.”

From 10am tomorrow, visitors can still enjoy plenty of festive activities around the town — including at the John Peel Centre where visitors can explore a model railway, crafts for children, live music and refreshments.

Stowmarket Library will offer Christmas card-making and a cosy reading corner, while The Mix is going ahead with its Mixmas Market, filled with handmade crafts and delicious treats from the café including festive baps, soup and mac and cheese.

Performances of Santa’s Christmas Cracker are still set to take place at The Regal, as well as screening some festive films.

Yesterday saw the launch of the Christmas Tree Festival at St Peter and St Mary’s Church as Charlie Haylock switched on the lights of more than 80 trees decorated by groups, schools and charities connected to the town — so visitors can also walk around the magical display tomorrow.

The works to replace the gas pipes in Tavern Street have been halted for the weekend too, so visitors can freely drive around town without hitting temporary traffic lights.

A spokesperson for Stowmarket Town Council added: “We thank you for your understanding and continued support.”