A POPULAR food fair in Thornbury, that it was feared could be permanently cancelled, could be making a return this Christmas.

The Thornbury Food Fairs, quarterly events run by the town’s Chamber of Commerce, have been visited by thousands of people since they started more than eight years ago.

Sadly, organisers struggled to keep the events going last year following the closure of former South Gloucestershire Council office car park, which was used by the sellers, and believed they would be unable to find a way to continue.

The office space is awaiting demolition to be converted into a retirement home complex by developer Churchill Retirement Living.

But due to popular demand from residents and stallholders, the Chamber are going to hold a Christmas fair to assess whether the continuation of the event is viable.

“The whole point of the fairs is to advertise local produce and local craft,” said Penny Skinner from the Chamber of Commerce.

“We chose to try running a fair at Christmas because it is the busiest of the events we run, and there is a great variety of foods, drinks, gifts and crafts.

“It seemed like the right one to go with to see if there is still the same interest there once was in the fairs.”

Having decided last week to run the fair, new sellers are being asked to get in touch if they would like to run a stall, but have advised them to be quick as, having contacted some of the stalwarts of the event, spaces are already half full.

“The level of support we have had in this short space of time is amazing,” said Penny. “Residents have told us they are delighted it could be making a comeback and lots of sellers have also said they are looking forward to returning.”

To get in touch with the Chamber of Commerce about the event, email penny@bondsofthornbury.co.uk