Chislehurst’s Christmas event will return in a much smaller form this year, with a festive market of around 20 stalls replacing the larger event traditionally held in the High Street.
Visit Chislehurst has announced that its seasonal event will return in a revised format on Sunday, November 22, with a smaller festive market taking the place of the larger Christmas event residents have enjoyed in previous years.
Organisers say the decision has been made due to the increases in the cost of delivering the event, particularly road closures, security requirements, traffic management and infrastructure.
The revised event will feature around 20 festive stalls selling seasonal gifts, as well as a bar.
Mike Jack, of Visit Chislehurst, said: “Like many community organisations, we have seen significant increases in the cost of delivering public events.
“While we are disappointed that we cannot deliver the larger-scale event that residents have enjoyed in previous years, we remain committed to bringing the community together and supporting local businesses during the festive season.”
The Chislehurst Society has provided financial support to help ensure a festive event can still take place despite the increased costs. The society has also been working alongside other event partners to help coordinate and plan the revised market.
Mike added: “Our priority has always been to deliver events responsibly and sustainably.
“Rather than cancelling altogether, we have chosen to adapt the event this year, ensuring Chislehurst still has a festive focus while operating within available resources.”
Other Christmas activities are planned across Chislehurst, including the Chislehurst Rotary Club Christmas Grotto. The Chislehurst Society will also host a small festive fair at The Old Chapel.
Visit Chislehurst said it hopes the revised format will continue to support the town centre and encourage people to shop locally during the festive season.
Elsewhere in London, Camden Market’s Christmas ice grotto opens later this month, and Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar will switch on Highgate’s Christmas lights.
