THE death knell has finally sounded for the future of Nailsea's Christmas fair after a voluntary group considering taking over the running of the event pulled out.
The former organising committee of the fair were in talks with Nailsea Lions Club with the view to it taking over the festive extravaganza.
Last year's fair had to be cancelled because the Christmas fair committee, made up of traders and volunteers from the local community, failed to attract enough helpers to run it.
It had been hoped that the Lions club would take over the event and the fair, which takes place on the first Friday each December, could be revived.
But now representatives from the Lions club have written to committee chairman, Gilly Chu, saying it does not have the resources to run the event.
Mrs Chu said: "We had hoped that the Lions club would be able to take over the fair.
"But they have now written to us to let us know that with everything else which the club is committed to, it did not have the manpower to take on the organisation of such an event.
"This is a real shame as the fair was a great community event which really brought the town together.
"Unless someone else comes forward and takes over the running of it, the future of the fair looks very bleak and it is unlikely it will be revived."
The event, a popular feature in the town's festive calendar, has been running for 15 years.
Each year the town centre is closed off for stalls selling a range of festive goodies and food.
A fairground is set up in Clevedon Road car park, with smaller traditional rides along the High Street.
There is also live entertainment with bands setting up on a stage at Somerset Square and on the forecourt of the Royal Oak pub.
The organising committee is now planning to talk to Nailsea Town Council about it holding funds raised from previous fairs in a trust account for five years.
The money would be available to any community group or individuals who come up with a business plan to run the festive event.
Mrs Chu added: "There is money in an account which could be used to assist with the running of the street fair.
"Any group which wanted to take it over would also have to fundraise to ensure the event continues.
"The money would be held in a trust account for five years and then, if no one has still come forward to run the fair, the funds could then be distributed to good causes."
Anyone interested in taking over the event can contact Mrs Chu at Gilly's Cafe in the High Street.
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