Showground Event Hailed A Success As Police Report No Issues

Organisers of a major event at Market Harborough showground have said it went very well and those attending were welcomed into the town.

The religious festival, which attracted over 2,000 member of the Gipsy and Traveller community, began on Saturday and ended last night.

Several pubs and businesses in and around the town closed last weekend over concerns about anti-social behaviour, after a minority of people who attended the same event in Oakham in 2021 caused problems.

However, despite the worries ahead of the event, Police say there were no recorded cases of crime or anti-social behaviour linked to it.

John Boyd from the Light and Life Mission spoke to HFM:

An event at the festival
Pic: Light and Life Chart Sutton

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police told HFM: “In an event where an increase in people is anticipated, and which the force is aware of, a policing operation plan will be put in place.

“This is to help provide reassurance with a visible police presence; support and engage with the community and partner agencies; help prevent crime and disorder; and to help facilitate a peaceful event.

“This event was a private event but due to the increase in people in the area while it was taking place, police carried out increased routine patrols.

“The beat team also carried out proactive engagement with the local community in the lead up to the event.”

Authorities have been criticised for not communicating details of the event sooner to the community and business owners are set to meet Harborough District Council officials at a meeting to raise their concerns.

Council Leader To Meet Business Owners Over Showground Event