Ashby Business Improvement District will continue to run the town's Christmas event for the next three years.

The BID took over the organisation of last December's event at short notice when they were handed the task ahead of Food Gusto.

But last night's (Monday) meeting of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's Events and Tourism Committee voted to carry on with the BID.

In contrast to having just three months to organise last year's two-day event, the BID will now have the best part of the year.

Committee chair, Cllr Murrae Blair-Park, told councillors: "We propose to give the Christmas Fair to the BID for 2024 and the two years after that.

"That's for continuity and for any investment they may need to make and in terms of the Town Council's budgetary arrangements.

"I was out on the Saturday last year and footfall was very good in the town. It worked well, and there's an opportunity to add more vendors and entertainment as there was a section of Market Street that was still available.

"By giving them this notice and commitment, it allows them to recruit people for the fair."

The BID reacted on social media by saying: "We had tremendous feedback from last year, not only from people who attended the event but also from those that put on the very best festive performances, local businesses and Market traders that attended.

"Ashby BID is a non profit company, this will mean that any funds raised will stay within the Ashby economy and either be put back into the event or other local initiatives to keep Ashby a wonderful town.

"The Ashby BID is funded by rate-paying businesses within the BID area, our aim is to work together with local businesses, schools and residents of Ashby to promote and enhance the economic and vibrancy of our town to ensure it remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit."

Stuart Benson, BID Manager, said: "After successfully running the event in 2023 we are extremely pleased to announce that Ashby de la Zouch Town Council has awarded Ashby BID the contract to run the event for the next three years. 

"This is an amazing opportunity, we are very grateful to receive the backing and will continue to develop and enhance the event.

"If you are a local artist and wish to perform on stage, would like a stall at the event or let us know what you would like to see please click HERE for further information.

"To register your interest in having a stall please complete this form HERE."