Sunday market dropped from Leighton Buzzard Christmas festival - but council says celebrations will be better than ever
The Sunday market is being dropped from the popular Christmas festival weekend – but the Liberal Democrat group says “more money than ever” is being spent on the seasonal celebrations.
More investment into improving its Saturday offer is planned, with the switch from a three-day event to two, according to the town council.
“The cultural and economic services committee agreed to reprofile the spending for the Christmas festival,” said the town council in a statement.
“The intention is to provide more High Street entertainment on Christmas festival Saturdays to benefit the market and all town centre businesses, which may otherwise be closed on a Sunday.
“It’s hoped that the step change in approach will encourage more town centre footfall, during a time of year when traditionally the retail and hospitality sectors are expected to make money to tide them over lean trading periods.
“To meet the costs of improved Saturday entertainment during December, a decision was taken not to run the one-off Sunday event, which normally takes place at the end of November.
“It’s sincerely hoped that residents and businesses alike will benefit from the exciting changes proposed. A boosted programme of entertainment to include live music, walkabout street theatre, Covent Garden-style pop-up shows, extra food offerings, as well as increased seating, is planned.
“The full programme of events will be published later in the year, once all the acts and live bands have been secured.”
In a social media post reacting to the outcome, Central Bedfordshire Independent Leighton Linslade West councillor Victoria Harvey warned: “The detail is very vague about the Saturdays, and I fear this is just another cut while council tax is going up.
“The last Sunday market of the Christmas weekend was really successful, with great performances from local groups by the Leighton Buzzard Market Cross and some really good stalls. It seems such a shame to lose that, having taken years to build this up.”
But LLTC leader and CBC Liberal Democrat Leighton Linslade North councillor Nigel Carnell said: “The Liberal Democrats are proposing plans for a bigger and better Christmas festival with music, performance, stalls and activities every Saturday in the town centre.
“It’s a great chance to enjoy supporting our town centre and small businesses throughout the Christmas season. This plan doubles the festive activity compared to last year and should be a great boost to local firms.
“Spreading out the festivities also means that the odd spell of bad weather won’t impact the festive fun. The local Lib Dems are committed to supporting the high street and local companies, as well as bringing everyone together in our town, so we’re investing more into our events than ever.”
Gennaro Borrelli, who chairs business organisation LB First, acknowledged: “It’s a shame, as the format worked well and there was plenty of really positive feedback last year.
“It was a great success and probably one of the best we’ve ever had. It’s weather dependent as well and, although the Saturday wasn’t great, the Sunday was a lovely day.
“That brought everyone out. But I understand the town council’s approach, with rising costs, such as getting agencies to do marshalling and funding overnight security, so there were pressures.
“We’ve worked hard in partnership with the town council over many years to build up this event and it’s becoming very popular, bringing in thousands of people from the surrounding area.”