THE tenth anniversary of the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre could be marked with a half day of special offers for the community.

Bosses behind the renowned event, which takes place over three days on the last weekend in November, have suggested an extra half day of festivities that would be given over to a special residents’ evening.

Cllr Robert Everitt, St Edmundsbury Borough Council Cabinet member for Bury St Edmunds said: “The idea is to open the Fayre for a special evening for residents at 4pm on Thursday 28 November 2013, before the crowds of visitors arrive. We would look to involve local schools, community groups and charities, and ask stall holders to consider special offers.”

The 2012 Fayre saw 300 stalls using eight different venues throughout town. The proposals would help spread the build-up of crowds and has been supported in principle by Bid4Bury and the Arc management.

Sharon Fairweather, Christmas Fayre organiser said: “The evening wouldn’t cost any more. Many of the hire charges for the fayre are for a week, and we could recoup other costs from stall charges. However we do need to talk to local businesses and residents about the impact of closing half the Angel Hill car park from 10am and then the road from 6pm on Wednesday 27 November.“