Festive fair will go ahead in the village (From Knutsford Guardian)
Send us news by text, start your message Knutsford News and your send photos and videos to 80360
Festive fair will go ahead in the village
12:30pm Tuesday 18th September 2012 in News
By David Morgan
THE Grinch will not be stealing Christmas from Holmes Chapel this year.
Community leaders have confirmed that a festive market is going ahead in the village after it was abandoned in 2011 due to concerns about closing a major traffic route.
The Christmas fayre will now take place at the Co-op’s car park in London Road with a bustling market atmosphere of up to 40 stalls without the need for a road closure.
“We’re delighted we’re able to put it on,” said Stuart Gammon, chairman of Holmes Chapel Partnership.
“People were extremely disappointed last year that we had to cancel it, and that made us determined to have one this year. We’re looking forward to a great community event.”
Traders interested in booking a stall or helping as a volunteer are asked to get in touch with the organisers by September 18.
Priority will be given to Holmes Chapel businesses and groups.
The event will also see the official switch-on of the village’s lights.
Dorothy Davidson, events co-ordinator, said: “It is hoped this weekend will signal the start of Christmas for Holmes Chapel.
“We want to see businesses and organisations use their imagination to provide a variety of stalls such as food, drink, Christmas gifts, fun activities, Father Christmas, entertainment and much more.”
Fiona Bruce MP told Cheshire East leader Michael Jones that last year’s ‘failure’ to agree a road closure in Holmes Chapel was ‘unfair’ when markets were agreed in nearby Alsager and Congleton.
She said: “There was real disappointment in the village that events had to be cancelled because the relevant permission had been denied.
“I am sure the whole community will celebrate this positive news and ensure the event is a tremendous success.
“Such events are not only great for community life but are also an important way of supporting local traders.”
Stuart reserved special thanks for the Co-op for allowing the market to take place in its car park.
