Virtual event and newsletter to make up for cancelled Sleaford Christmas Market due to Covid

Following discussions by the Sleaford Christmas Market Group, supported by Sleaford Town Council, the difficult decision has been made to cancel this year’s event.

The emarketvent was due to be held on Sunday November 29, but due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it was felt the safety of visitors and traders must come first.

The popular Christmas Market has been going from strength to strength over the past few years, with many visitors and traders coming from outside the area too.

Several thousand people attend the event and the council said it would be impossible to adhere to the social distancing rules in the current climate.

They said in a statement today (Friday): “The event takes 11 months to organise and prepare for and we are very disappointed and saddened to have to make this decision.

“However, we are pleased to announce that Christmas will still be celebrated in the town, just in a different way. Opportunities being explored are a published newsletter advertising trader’s wares, together with delivery options. For those who prefer a virtual shopping experience, we intend to hold a virtual event using social media and the Town Council’s website.”

They hope people will be able to join them in some way.

Coun Cara Sandy, from the Christmas Market Group, said the virtual market will take place on Facebook and on the council website.

She commented: “It’s a huge shame, but we don’t want to cancel it altogether so are hoping to get stall holders to film videos advertising what they sell to hope to get some postal orders for them and let the town see what our stalls have to offer. They can then order from them the gifts they would normally buy, and get them in time for Christmas presents.

“As it takes at least 11 months to plan the market, it would be impossible to try and plan it now to make it successful even if the restrictions were lifted.

“We are hoping to get lots of stallholders involved and we hope it will really bring the town together, we’ve got lots planned to tune in to and be entertained by. We really hope the town support the decision not to cancel it completely and if anyone would like to be featured in our stall section of the virtual Christmas Market then please contact us and we’d be happy to get you a slot.”

She said it was something people could all look forward to after a few months of being “in the unknown” regarding events.

Chairman of the council, Anthony Brand said: “There will be Christmas lights and a modest symbolic opening with just three people turning them on.”

The councillors did give permission for the Boxing Day hunt meeting again in Eastgate car park. They are also keen to reschedule the Sleaford Town Awards to September after the ceremony in May had to be postponed.

Coun Brand said: “The possibility is that we might have a limited event for the awards. Strictly controlled and assuming in September the weather is fine outdoors, to support distancing.”

The hugely popular Poppy Prom by Sleaford Concert Band was due to be held on October 17 but has also been cancelled by Sleaford’s Royal British Legion, as has Sleaford All Knighters Scooter Club’s Happy Chappy charity ride out event at the Barge and Bottle, which previously saw 200 scooters turn up.

Chairman of the Sleaford branch of the Legion, Major Clive Candlin said safety of the public is their “primary concern”, adding: “The band have not been able to get together since March for practice and are not due to do so for some time yet. This is the first time that we have had to cancel this event, which has become a popular date on the Sleaford social diary.”

It annually generates hundreds of pounds in funds towards the branch’s Poppy Fund.