THE weather hit the Christmas Fayre at Bury St Edmunds today with the closure of the town’s Abbey Gardens this morning.

Some stalls had been destroyed and damaged by the high winds and the wet weather had also forced the closure of the park and ride site at Rushbrooke Lane which had become muddy with the overnight rain.

Motorists were being redirected to the other site in Olding Road, via junction 42, on the A14.

There was some doubt about the Farmers’ Market running today, centred on the Buttermarket and Cornhill, but a decision was made mid morning to go ahead.

It was also hoped that the gardens could be opened by lunchtime as the wind died down.

By 11am crowds were beginning to grow in the town despite the problems with coach loads of visitors expected following a busy time yesterday which saw thousands flock to the three-day event which began on Friday.