ORGANISERS have decided to cancel a winter event due to Covid restrictions- even though it is only March.

The committee for the Tiptree Christmas fair said they will not be going forward with the event this year due to it not being practical.

While the event is cancelled, the committee still hopes to hold some fundraising events towards the end of this year to bring the fair back bigger and better in 2022.

A spokesman said: “Due to the ongoing restrictions we are experiencing with Covid, and with no guarantee yet as to when things will be back to normal, we felt it was irresponsible to start organising the event and paying for services which in all probability we would not be able to recoup if we had to cancel.

“Additionally, we rely totally on the generosity of businesses and villagers to fund the event and, given how all our businesses are suffering, we feel this would not be appropriate.”

He added: “We really appreciate all the support we receive and hope that you will continue to support us going forward.”

The event experienced a revival in 2019 after a six year gap.

In 2020, due to social distancing measures, the fair was cancelled.

However, a separate, virtual Christmas event was organised by Tiptree residents Sue Rayner and Alex Berriman in an effort to help out businesses.