Yahoo News Storm Bert forces Canterbury Christmas market to partially close after 'significant damage'
The organisers of a Christmas market in Canterbury said they were 'devastated' after Storm Bert tore through the site forcing it to partially close. The county has been battered by stormy weather with gusts exceeding 60mph with 'significant damage' caused to part of the market after a marque was destroyed and two huts and mini golf damaged.
The storm brought chaos to Kent, from fallen trees on the road, to travel being disrupted. After being shut on Saturday (November 23) and Sunday (November 24), the organisers of this year's Canterbury Christmas Market made the decision to close again the huts in the Cathedral Precincts for public safety reasons on Monday (November 25). Both the other sections of the market will remain open.
A spokesperson said: "After an onsite meeting this morning (November 24) it was determined that we would remain shut in the Cathedral Precincts for public safety reasons and this proved the correct call because there was risk to life. Teams have worked hard to secure the marquee, continuously checking and rechecking, but Storm Bert had other ideas.
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'It has been devastating'
"Sadly, Canterbury Marquees have had one of their marquees ripped apart in the storm. This has also caused damage to two huts, the mini golf, decor and furniture, it has been devastating, but our primary concern is, and will always be, the safety of visitors, stallholders and our team and thankfully no one has been hurt."
The organisers of the market and the Canterbury Marquees' team are set to be on site first thing on Monday to assess and clear the damage caused by the storm.
The Christmas Market spokesperson said: "We would like to state that there is no damage to the cathedral or any of the buildings.We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and understanding. We’ve read all of the kind messages, texts, emails and social media posts and all we can say is thank you
"We would especially like to thank Canterbury Cathedral’s team for their understanding and the support they and the Cathedral’s constabulary have given us, as well as our team and the amazing KFRS who attended and assisted our team in minimising further risk.
"Thank you to our team who have gone above and beyond in the last 48 hours, including those team members in the other sections who have worked tirelessly to ensure the Christmas Market remains open and an enjoyable place to visit. Also thank you to the carousel’s team who provided onsite support."
'A lot of damage has been done'
Local business Jey's Heavenly events said it has lost three days of trading due to the storm. A spokesperson said: "A lot of damage has been done to some of the huts and the amazing marquee that the incredible team had worked so hard to make what it was.
"So many of us little businesses and the events team have put our all into this and spent months planning, spending and prepping, so it's been really sad this happened."
The team intend to reopen the section by Tuesday (November 26). "we know stallholders would greatly appreciate your support to help them overcome this horrendous weekend," they said.
Bert also left its mark in Hersden, a village near Canterbury, where a community association was preparing for its Christmas fair next week and has been forced to launch a fundraiser after its marquee was damaged beyond repair.
The fundraiser page, set up on behalf of The Hersden Neighbourhood Centre Association, said: "The centre is honestly beyond words, in the 14 years we've never had a problem as great as this. Especially with six days before our biggest event of the year (Christmas fair). This extreme weather has damaged our marquee well beyond repair, despite it being strapped down securely. To make it worse we've just paid out."
The gofundme page has a £2,000 target. They have raised £265 as of Sunday night (November 24).
