KINVER Country Fayre organisers have decided to take a ‘Christmas vacation’ and save funds instead of giving money for a Big Tree this festive season.

The country fayre committee has for the past five years paid for the village’s Big Tree which has been at the centre of Christmas celebrations in the village.

But this year the committee has pulled out of organising the festive switch-on event and funding the tree – instead choosing to put the money towards the 2017 Kinver Country Fayre.

Jane Sadler, chairman of Kinver Country Fayre, said: “We had planned to provide the tree this year, but have decided after much discussion, with plans already in hand for Kinver Country Fayre 2017, that it would make more sense to put funds towards that event. The Big Tree costs around £1,500 and that money is best allocated to 2017.”

The decision to skip Christmas this year and conserve funds for next year comes just two months after the 2016 fayre was held.

It had been scheduled for June, as usual, but flash floods left the main field swamped prompting organisers to defer the event until September this time round.

The fayre raises thousands for good causes each year and over the last five years the committee estimates it has donated around £50,000 to village organisations.

Although there won’t be a Big Tree this year – the village will still be holding its annual festive late-night shopping event on Friday November 25.

Shops in the High Street will be staying open until 9pm and Kinver Rotary Club will be bringing Father Christmas and his sleigh, which will be located in front of the clinic from 7pm.

Choristers will also be singing in Chenevare Mews – and many of the village food outlets will be serving food and drinks to visitors on the pavements.

Mrs Sadler said: “We are very sorry not to be part of Kinver Christmas this year and wish the organisers of the late-night shopping event on November 25 all the best for a great night. We aim to be back with the Big Tree for the 2017 festive season.”