THE VICTORIAN Christmas Market event is Stratford’s latest high profile corona casualty.
Stratford District Council and Stratford Town Council decided to cancel this year’s popular Victorian Christmas Market, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The market, which attracts around 125,000 visitors to the town, marks the start of the festive season in Stratford along with the Christmas lights switch on and Thursday Christmas markets.
District council leader Tony Jefferson says the decision was not easy.
He commented: “Under delegated powers, I have made a Leader’s decision to cancel this year’s Stratford Victorian Christmas Market. It’s not a decision that’s been taken lightly, but given the new Government guidance together with the ongoing public health emergency, it is the most sensible decision to make.
“Christmas will look a little different this year, but we look forward to seeing the market return in 2021.”
Coun Kevin Taylor, who is chairman of the markets forum, added: “Of course this is a disappointment for us all, particularly as our market was going from strength to strength and is now one of the top go to Christmas Market destinations in the country. However, safety has to be the first priority and the Town Council fully concurs with the decision to cancel this year’s event.”
It follows the cancellation of Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market – the biggest outdoor Christmas market in the UK.
