'Christmas not cancelled' after town event axed

Wymondham had hosted Wynterfest since 2016

A town that axed its annual Christmas event after it was described as "too commercial" will instead hold a celebration with local traders and performers.

Wynterfest had been held in Wymondham, Norfolk, since 2016, but the team of volunteers behind it pulled out this year due to "stretched resources".

The town council chairwoman and mayor, Suzanne Nuri-Nixon, had said she wanted any replacement to be about the community, with plans already being drawn up.

Matt Watson from Rebel Arts Wymondham, which is helping organise the new event, said: "Christmas is not cancelled - I cannot emphasise that enough."

'Put community first'

Wynterfest had included dozens of market stalls, a Santa's grotto, lantern parade and fairground rides, but had become too expensive to lay on.

"It's just not viable," said Mr Watson.

"Since Covid, hiring the equipment we would need, such as staging, had risen by over 30% and it's still going up - we just can't stretch to that."

Having been approached by Ms Nuri-Nixon, the community organisation is planning a smaller-scale celebration to include the switching-on of the town's Christmas lights.

"We will do something smaller, more community-based, and I think she [Ms Nuri-Nixon] said 'less commercial', and by that we mean we are not going to have outside traders," said Mr Watson.

"It's a wonderful chance to share our businesses and put community first - it's all about Wymondham."

The event on 1 December will also feature stalls, a choir, music and fire-eaters.