BUSINESSES across the district will be left counting the cost of the Country Land and Business Association’s (CLA) decision to pull the plug on next year’s Game Fair – due to be staged at Ragley Hall.
The annual event, which is held at various locations around the country, was set to return to Ragley after successful visits in 2010 and 2013, which gave a massive boost to the local economy.
But the organisation has been forced to axe next year’s Fair citing dwindling numbers and an increasingly busy summer calendar of alternative outdoor events providing competition, which they say have made the 2016 event not financially viable.
Businesses in Stratford and Alcester are concerned they will see a knock-on effect from the decision to axe the Game Fair – but hope it will continue to be business as usual.
Alcester Chamber of Trade Chairman, Sarah Bassett said: “The Game Fair was such a brilliant event and brought plenty of footfall to Alcester town centre.
“There will be a big knock on effect to the local economy because so many people would camp and come to Alcester to buy their necessities.
“It was always a welcome event in the calander and we will miss it but that won’t stop Alcester being a thriving market town.
“We still want people to visit to see what we have to offer.”
Stratford Business Forum member Jonathan Smith feels there will be a negative effect on businesses but is confident Stratford and the district has enough to offer to make up for any lost trade.
He added: “I’m really sorry to see the event cancelled.
“For local business there will be a negative impact because the event was popular for people outside the region which meant hotels and restaurants benefited.”
The CLA will refund any tickets purchased for the 2016 Game Fair at Ragley Hall.
