Religious Festival Begins At Market Harborough Showground
Written by HFM News on 24th July 2023
A religious festival has begun at Market Harborough Showground.
Between three and four thousand people are attending the Christian convention by the Light and Life Mission, with around 700 caravans parked on the site.
The event at the Showground. Pic: Clive Mason
The event, which runs until Thursday, is for members of the Gipsy and Traveller community, although a number of locals went along yesterday and organisers say everyone is welcome.
A similar event held in Oakham in 2021 resulted in anti-social behaviour from a minority attending and led to concerns there could be similar disruption in Market Harborough, with a number of pubs and hospitality venues in and around the town closing over the weekend.
However, Leicestershire Police, who upped in the town centre because of the extra number of people in the area, say there were no issues with regards to the event or those attending.
The force has also reiterated that officers did not advise any premises to shut.
A spokesperson from Harborough District Council said: “The council and other agencies are liaising with the event organisers and the showground on an ongoing basis to ensure that the event continues to run safely and smoothly.”
The event at the Showground. Pic: Clive Mason
Concerns about the late notice in which details of the event were communicated to residents and businesses have been raised by Harborough MP Neil O’Brien and Cllr Jon Bateman, Leader of the Opposition at the council.
Cllr Bateman said: “In what is supposed to be a busy summer period, Market Harborough and the surrounding areas have been shutdown, leading to a massive loss in revenue for many businesses and lots of people without a weekend’s wages.
“Had they had more time, they might not have needed to close.
“We will be challenging the ruling administration on these points and will try to get answers on why this wasn’t handled better.”
More on details about the event here:
Church Convention To Be Held At Market Harborough Showground
