RISING COSTS AMONG ISSUES SCUPPERING MUCH-LOVED EVENT

A POPULAR Christmas festival on Anglesey has been cancelled this year. Organisers said the two-day Beaumaris Victorian Christmas (BVC) event has been hit by rising costs, falling revenue and capacity issues.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE

Regular visitors were left bereft by the news, describing it as a festive highlight on Anglesey and among the island’s best annual events. Some enthusiasts come from as far away as Manchester and a few had already booked accommodation for this year’s festival.

Previous outings have attracted up 4,000 people, some donning historical costumes, in the hope of getting a dose of traditional Christmas spirit. Sights and sounds include Victorian carriage rides and Queen Victoria parades, with hot chestnuts, mulled wine and toffee apples adding extra festive cheer.

This year’s event was scheduled for November 29-30. In an online statement, its organising committee announced “with sadness” this year’s festival would not now be taking place.