Ashby's Statutes event 'kick-started' the town again after lockdown, councillors were told on Monday night.

And the weekend Ashby Christmas Fair attracted between 4,000-5,000 people per day to the town centre.

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's Events & Tourism Committee heard a report on the year's events from Town Centre Manager Stuart Benson.

Although the first half of the year was still affected by the Covid pandemic, the final months of 2021 saw a return close to normality.

Mr Benson said: "In September, Ashby Statutes returned to the town after its year off.

"It was very much welcomed by the general public, the attendance figures over the five-day period were phenomenal.

"The smiles were back on the kids' faces again, and people were getting back out.

"That event kick-started the town again and gave people the confidence to come back to Ashby.

advertisement

"I'd like to congratulate Pat Collins Funfairs for putting on a safe event."

But councillors were told that the Ashby Fabulous event did not attract as many shops as had been hoped.

Mr Benson added: "It was a good event but a little bit down on participants this year which was unfortunate.

"The event is run by the Ashby Town Centre Traders and they are volunteers at the end of the day.

"I would hate to see this event slip away as it's so unique for Ashby.

"I think it will develop going forwards, with the Ashby BID coming into play, I think it'll take a different turn.

"But it was also a wet day which didn't help."

Mr Benson also said that plans for Remembrance Day had to be changed just nine days ahead of the planned parade.

advertisement

The ceremony was held at the Bath Grounds for the first time as part of Covid precautions which would have made the usual Market Street parade more difficult to stage.

The Town Centre Manager added: "I think it was a fantastic service for the town at short notice.

"The feedback was really positive, we've been congratulated through various channels."

Councillors were told that last weekend's Christmas Fair was 'absolutely fantastic'.

Mr Benson added: "Food Gusto put on a variety of stalls.

"It was great to see people back in the town.

"The event ran very smoothly, the early estimations are that we had 4,000-5,000 visitors per day.

"It was a very well attended event and very safe. Everybody enjoyed the event according to the feedback.

advertisement

"The Santa Fun Run was a success - numbers were down but we still had 850 runners."

Committee chair, Cllr Gil Hoult, said: "Well done, we continue to be so proud of what Ashby achieves as a town."