Ashby de la Zouch Town Council has agreed a partnership with the town's Business Improvement District for the Christmas Fair in Market Street this year.

The council says a 'bigger and better' event will be held in the town on the weekend of December 2/3.

Two parties were competing to stage the event this year, after Food Gusto said last year's event would be its last in the town.

But, although Food Gusto is now under new management - with brothers Kendal and Buckley Harris staging the spring event on the Bath Grounds in May - the BID also came forward with an offer to organise the Christmas Market.

Chris Smith, Leader of the Town Council, said: "As well as the usual stalls selling Christmas fare, there will be entertainment on both the Saturday and Sunday.

"This will make the event the most spectacular so far."

Local groups from schools and other organisations will entertain the crowds from the stage as in previous years.

The event always attracts big crowds to Market Street in Ashby de la Zouch

But there will also be other entertainment and decorations around the Town, in Rushton's Yard, Mill Lane Mews and Huntingdon Court on both the Saturday and Sunday.

A spokesperson for the Business Improvement District said: "We are very happy to work in partnership with the Town Council and take the lead for organising a fantastic event this Christmas."

Cllr Smith added: "Unfortunately, due to competing demands on its budget in 2023, the Town Council's financial contribution to the event has been significantly reduced this year.

"So the Town Council is very grateful for the partnership with the Business Improvement District whose additional funding and support has enabled a better event at less cost to the Council Tax payer. A win for everybody."

Food Gusto, who have provided the stalls in previous years, will be returning to the Town for the usual event on the Bath Grounds over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, May 25/26, 2024.

In response, Food Gusto posted on social media and said: "Food Gusto is excited to confirm that the Ashby Food Gusto Festival will be on the 25th/26th May 2024 on the Bath Grounds in Ashby.

"We look forward to building on the success of last year's event. Information on exhibiting and our other 2024 dates should be confirmed later this year.

We accept Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's decision to partner with Ashby BID for Ashby Christmas Fair and hope that the event will continue to be a success."