TAVISTOCK'S first Christmas Food Fayre has been cancelled by organisers, because of safety concerns.

Festival chairman, Jeffrey Stackhouse: "The Met Office weather forecast for Saturday night suggested wind speeds of 30mph, gusting up to 36 mph. Unfortunately, at this wind speed, the marquee erectors declined to set up the units as they would certainly move and more than likely overturn.

"A week ago the Farmers Market, who own the marquees, experienced strong wind problems which resulted in two stands overturning and an exhibitor being hospitalised, albeit briefly.

"Clearly under these circumstances we had no alternative but to cancel this weekend's Fayre in order to ensure the safety of both visitors and exhibitors alike.

"Naturally we are very disappointed but hope to explore the options of a safe venue in Tavistock so that we can hopefully hold our first Christmas Fayre in Tavistock in a year's time."