AN event that normally kicks off the autumn programme of festivals in Tenbury is not taking place this year.

It comes as another blow to the town that usually has a busy schedule of events between the end of September and Christmas to attract visitors and boost business.

Other events like the Mistletoe Festival and sales and Santa Parade are unlikely to take place.

The organisers of Tenbury Applefest have had to take the decision to cancel the event on Saturday, October 3 due to the continuing threat of coronavirus.

Applefest has developed over the last 14 years into an event which attracts people to the town of Tenbury, the ‘little town in the Orchard,’ and is a boost to shops, pubs and restaurants.

When lock-down eased it was decided to continue with the window dressing competition, which is again supported by Kerry’s of Tenbury.

This year there will also be a People’s favourite and one lucky voter will win a voucher to spend in Tenbury.

The sponsors vote will be announced on Friday after which the People’s vote will commence, the winner of this being announced on October 9. It’s a chance to challenge the sponsors vote!

There will be prizes for the best windows with 1st, 2nd and 3rd of the sponsors vote winning £50, £20 and £10 respectively with prizes for the People’s choice to be confirmed.

Watch out for the posters in the windows showing who is taking part.

“Over the years that we have been running the competition it has become quite competitive, with a lot of thought going into the entries,” said David Patrick, a Tenbury Town Councillor and Chair of Tenbury Applefest.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the windows again this year and posting photographs of them on the Applefest facebook page, @TenburyApplefest .

“This is something that can be done despite Covid and any potential restrictions and will give the town a boost. We wish the best of luck to everyone taking part.”

Nominations for the People’s Choice can be made in the boxes provided in the Tourist Information Centre, Tenbury News and the Round Market, using the voting slips provided.

Voting will start on Friday, October 2 and run until 2pm on Tuesday, October 6.

Tenbury Applefest is on the first Saturday in October each year and the organisers are looking forward to being back in 2021 on the Burgage in the town centre.