A CHRISTMAS market in Nailsworth has to be cancelled amid public safety concerns as “too many people would be in the town”, officials say.

The Big Christmas Market planned for Nailsworth Bus Station for December 21 will not be going ahead.

The event has been cancelled as it coincides with Forest Green Rover’s home game against Aldershot Town.

Organisers Nailsworth Chamber of Trade said in a statement: “Sadly we have to call this year’s big Christmas market on Saturday December 21, 2024 in Nailsworth Bus Station.

“We have had our licence revoked due to Forest Green Football Club having a match on the same day and the Council are worried about having too many people in the town at the same time.

“Nailsworth Chamber of Trade wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2025.

“Fingers crossed we will be able to hold the big event next year that we know so many of you want.”

County and District Councillor for Nailsworth Steve Robinson (L) said the event had been booked earlier in the year before FGR fixtures were published.

He said there is no way both events could go ahead.

“You couldn’t have people stopping on the hill,” he said. “When they close the bus station they put temporary bus stops by the mini roundabout in Nailsworth.

“It would just not work. The District Council has had to pull it.

“The normal Nailsworth Noel is still taking place on the last Friday evening of November.

A Stroud District Council spokesperson said they tried to find a solution including another date for the event. However, no solution could be agreed.

“We have tried to work together with the organiser to find a solution, including switching the event to the Sunday but sadly no other date nor venue could be agreed," a spokesperson said. 

“The bus station is a key point of access for many fans heading to Forest Green Rovers.

"On grounds of public safety it isn’t possible to close the bus station at the same time as 2,000-plus fans arrive in Nailsworth for a Forest Green Rovers fixture.

“We understand there will be some disappointment but the town will be staging its usual Nailsworth Goodwill evening on Friday November 29, run by the traders of Nailsworth for the communities and businesses in the town.”