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Tenterden Christmas Market back on but light show remains off

10:09, 04 October 2022

updated: 11:22, 04 October 2022

A cancelled Christmas market is now back on following a change of organisers.

Tenterden Christmas Market will be going ahead this year in a different format after being called off earlier this month.

The Tenterden Christmas Market will be back this year despite concerns over rising costs. Picture: Chris Davey
The Tenterden Christmas Market will be back this year despite concerns over rising costs. Picture: Chris Davey

Previous organisers Seren Welch and Tash Mahoney cancelled the event despite a successful fundraising campaign last year as costs had "almost tripled".

But, after a shake up in who will run the event, the market will be coming to the town again under the Market Square Group.

The group has organised the market in the past, with the last event coming back in 2016.

However, the popular light show that was billed to arrive with Ms Welch and Ms Mahoney's market will not be returning, amid the cost of living crisis which is seeing energy prices soar.

The announcement sparked debate on social media, with many welcoming the return of the market but not the commercial ownership.

The light show will not be running this year due to energy prices soaring. Picture: Chris Davey
The light show will not be running this year due to energy prices soaring. Picture: Chris Davey

Some potential stallholders have raised issues with the prices, while others say they have not been given the chance to apply.

Chin Chin Mobile Cocktail Bar said: "We were booked in to Christmas in Tenterden this year, in our usual spot that we’ve had in our hometown since 2017, we even won the ‘best caterer’ award two years in a row, but with Market Square Group we haven’t even got the opportunity to apply."

A spokesperson for Tenterden Town Council said it had "no power over who can or cannot hold an event" in the high street.

"Any organising body (or individuals) can apply to Ashford Borough Council’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) to hold an event on the high street," they added.

"The Town Council must always remain impartial to events and focus on the safety aspects as per SAG’s guidelines.

"However, we are mindful of the impact on businesses of some events and try to ensure the organisers are aware of these issues.

"With regard to funding, the town council only financially supports local Community Interest Companies (CICs), local charitable organisations and local community organisations; we do not financially support commercial enterprises."

Stallholders can book in for the event here and it will run in the high street from November 25-27, starting at 10am.

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