Organisers of the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre believe the event to be another record-breaking year after initial figures showed a footfall increase.

East Anglian Daily Times: The packed Bury St Edmunds annual Christmas Fayre at the weekend. Picture: SUZANNE ABBOTTThe packed Bury St Edmunds annual Christmas Fayre at the weekend. Picture: SUZANNE ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Statistics for the popular event are still being checked but St Edmundsbury Borough Council says early indications show a 13% increase in footfall from last year at the Arc shopping centre.

The initial figures put the fayre on target to match or better the 120,000 visitors who descended on the town last year.

Councillor John Griffiths, leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, hailed the fayre’s success but said the authority would look to see how they could improve it for next year.

He said: “Our Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre has been an absolute success and we believe another record year.

East Anglian Daily Times: A packed Angel Hill during the Christmas Fayre. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTA packed Angel Hill during the Christmas Fayre. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

“While we are still checking the figures we know we had more than 300 stalls, and initial figures show a 13% increase on last year in footfall at the Arc putting us on target to match or beat the 120,000 visitors we saw last year.

“The fayre is the biggest in East Anglia and has been voted the best in the UK. Not only does it help to get west Suffolk into the Christmas mood but has real benefits for our local communities, economy and tourism.

“We saw community groups showcased across the weekend making it a real family event to enjoy while it helps keep west Suffolk on the map of top destinations to visit throughout the year.

“At the same time it gives local businesses and traders an opportunity to benefit and Christmas shoppers time to get some bargains in our great town. “This is just one of the markets and events we support across the area all year to support our local economy and communities.

East Anglian Daily Times: Stalls on the Cornhill as part of the Christmas Fayre in Bury St Edmunds. Picture: SUZANNE ABBOTTStalls on the Cornhill as part of the Christmas Fayre in Bury St Edmunds. Picture: SUZANNE ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

“There will always be things we can learn and do better and we will look at what has gone well and what we can improve on.

“I would also particularly like to thank our sponsors and supporters, especially the emergency services that gave such a friendly and reassuring presence.

“We can’t wait to see everyone again next year.”

The council is running a feedback survey which people can fill in for the chance of winning a £50 shopping voucher at Debenhams.

Visit www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/B4FKL/ to take part.