Cirencester Town Council has announced the cancellation of the Advent Market.

The Advent Market, due to take place on November 28 had been organised to replace the town’s usual Advent Festival and Christmas Light Switch On after Covid-19 measures made it impossible to stage the full event.

However, amid concerns over the upsurge in the number of people contracting coronavirus nationally and the latest government guidance, the plans were reviewed.

Cllr Gary Selwyn, lead member for community services said: “The decision to cancel was a hard one.

"Our community services team had devised an alternative plan which would have enabled us to bring an extended market to Cirencester rather than the usual festivities.

"Unfortunately, it has become clear that it would not be safe to run such a big market this year and public safety must be the priority.

“With nearby places like Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bristol and Bath cancelling their markets, Cirencester would have been the only town still running a big Christmas event, attracting large crowds from neighbouring regions, which could affect the level of infection within the local area and we want to do what is necessary to avoid this.

“The town’s regular and weekend markets continue to be held on the market place, with additional measures in place, and the towns shops are open.

"We ask the public to continue to support their local businesses by shopping and eating locally.”

Over the festive period the town will still look suitably seasonal with the Christmas lights and tree in place.