A UK SEASIDE resort’s only Christmas market has been axed after just one year.
No one has come forward to run the event after the organisers decided to “take a break” this year.
Business owners Anne-Marie Chebib, Becky Stevens and Lisa Norman brought the first Winter Fayre to Brighton’s Valley Gardens last year.
However, they have now decided to take a break from running the event after only one year.
The website Brightonwinter states: “The team have decided to take a break from the Brighton Winter Fayre this year.
“We’re so grateful for all the support the event has had, and we hope to bring it back in the future.”
Brighton and Hove City Council has confirmed no one suitable has come forward to take on a similar event in time for Christmas reports The Argus.
The popular Winter Fayre included food and drink stalls as well as a Santa’s grotto, plus children’s workshops and carol singers.
There were also winter night events for adults and live music which were deemed popular.
But, last year’s event was hit with a series of unfortunate events when it was forced to close due to the arrival of Storm Darragh.
Sadly, on opening day, the fair had to be evacuated due to high winds and a tent poll collapsing in a marquee.
Luckily it was reported that no-one was badly injured due to the incident and the team were quick to respond and make sure the marquee was cleared.
However, the fair’s final weekend also had to be cancelled due to more bad weather.
The Winter Fayre came after Brighton was left without a Christmas market back in 2023 when it was run under different organisers.
E3 Events who organised the 2022 event was forced to end their deal earlier due to Covid, rising costs and supply chain problems.
Brighton and Hove City Council then faced a race against time to find a commercial partner able to chip in around £70,000.
Sadly, they were unable to find anyone in 2023 and the fair didn’t go ahead then either.
Speaking of this year’s event, Councillor Birgit Miller, cabinet member for culture, heritage and tourism at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “As always there will be plenty of festive events taking place across the city but, unfortunately, following the decision by the private operators of the Brighton Winter Fayre to take a break this year, there is unlikely to be a market-style event.
“This was a privately venture, not a council event, and the reality is nobody suitable has come forward offering to run a similar event in its place.”
