'Heartbreak' over cancelled Huddersfield Winter Festival

Organisers said they had looked at alternative areas for the event but found nothing suitable

An annual Christmas fair in Huddersfield has been cancelled, leaving its organisers "heartbroken".

The Winter Festival, which usually runs from mid-November to Christmas Eve, was expected to feature decorated tipis, food and drink stalls and music.

But organisers said it had been shelved due to council works taking place in St George's Square and possible traffic disruption as a result.

The works in the fair's usual location made it "undeliverable", they said.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said a statement by organisers on Facebook read: "It is with great sadness that we have to let you know we are unable to deliver our wonderful Winter Festival this year."

Organisers explained works being carried out in and around the square during the festive period meant the event could not go ahead "safely and effectively in the small space available".

"We are heartbroken as this is such a special time for us and everyone who joins us," they said.

"Rest assured we will be back", they added.

A spokesperson for Kirklees Council said the authority had contacted the organisers of the Winter Festival regarding upgrade works taking place at Huddersfield railway station alongside the council's work to restore the George Hotel.

Councillor Yusra Hussain, cabinet member for culture, said: "We thought some extra planning might be needed to accommodate the festival this year.

"We advised organisers the proposed works at the station have now been moved from November to January, but as they only need to give 14 days notice to change this date there remains a possibility that there could still be disruption.

"Sadly, Huddersfield Live have made the decision not to hold the event this year."