A wave of disappointment washed over Cambridge as locals discovered the 'Christmas in Cambridge' market was closed to the public, despite its location on Parker's Piece, a beloved community park. Images circulating online showed frustrated families turned away, their festive spirits dampened before they even reached the twinkling lights.
The sudden closure left thousands stranded, many having traveled considerable distances for a taste of Christmas cheer. One resident described the situation as “elitism at its worst,” questioning the fairness of prioritizing private events over public access to a cherished local tradition.
Reports surfaced that the market had hosted a special event for workers, complete with exclusive entertainment. This sparked further outrage, with critics suggesting the company could have easily accommodated its employees during off-peak hours without excluding the wider community.
The heartbreak was particularly acute for families like one mother whose three children were left in tears after a lengthy journey involving three train connections. Their anticipation turned to devastation as they were denied entry to the fair they had eagerly awaited.
The market operates on land owned by the city council, but is managed by a private company, Seventa Events. Seventa issued an apology, stating the closure was advertised on their website, but many residents claim they were unaware of the restrictions.
A local councilor expressed concern that officials were led to believe the private event would be contained within a separate area, ensuring public access to the main market remained open. This discrepancy has ignited a debate about transparency and accountability.
The situation has prompted calls for a thorough review of the agreement between the council and Seventa Events, with promises to challenge the current administration over the handling of this public space. The incident has left a lingering sense of frustration and a demand for fairer access to community events.
