LOCALS of a Herefordshire town are delighted that a once cancelled Christmas market will go ahead this weekend.

The Leominster Victorian Christmas market, which usually takes place on Corn Square and Broad Street, was set to be cancelled as a result of planned roadworks throughout November and December but after a successful petition, it will once again go ahead on this Saturday (December 9).

The event has been organised primarily by a team of traders and businesspeople this year, rather than the Leominster Town Council who have taken a lesser role in the process. 

This year the market will be a much larger multi-location event, as opposed to a smaller traditional street market, with over 100 stalls located in the Leominster sports and social club, Grange Court, the Rankin Club, the Lion Ballroom and the Body Clinic.

Victoriana-inspired activities will also be held in the Forbury Chapel, the Priory Church, 35 West and the Merchants House.

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Since the planned work on Corn Square which originally caused the event to be cancelled has now been postponed until January 2024, the monthly farmers market will be taking place in the Square at the same time as the Victorian festivities.

The Mayor of Leominster will be on a civic procession around the town, whilst Father Christmas, Queen Victoria, actors in period costumes, the Leominster Morris, the Leominster lion puppet and other performers will roam the streets to bring the Victorian era to life.

Simon and Sally Powell of Motif gift shop were instrumental in the petition to save the market and have led the event team alongside local businesspeople and representatives of each venue.

Mr Powell was keen to thank local businesses as well as the town and county councils for their assistance with organising the market. 

“My god has it been a journey, yes it has,” said Mr Powell.

“It’s been a real positive experience working with all those businesses.

“We’ve managed to deliver everything you’d expect.

“It’s going to be nearly twice as big as last year.

“It’s gonna be fab, we’re really excited for the big day now.”