A NEW event will be held in Wem this year, to make up for the disappearance of the sweet pea show.

Last year saw the historic sweet pea show feature for the last time in is familiar guise, with the event helping to bring other events to the fore.

These events, such as the Church Green Event, Crafters Market in Wem Town Hall and Vehicles of Interest, have since become mainstays of the town in their own right.

At Wem Town Council's February meeting, councillors heard how in 2019, organisers of the sweet pea show attended a meeting of Wem Economic Forum to discuss whether there was any interest in trying to organise an event based around the legacy of the sweet pea show but in a slightly different format to reflect its need to modernise and attract new visitors.

It was agreed that this would need to be properly planned in time for 2020 and there was also a need for a proper break between the sweet pea show and any new sweet pea themed festival so discussions on this are at an early stage.

In order to continue to attract visitors to the Town on what has become known as the Sweet Pea Weekend, and to keep the date in the diary of the local community and beyond it is proposed for 2020 to organise a one off green themed market and climate change related event on July 18, on the Jubilee Square.

This event would be organised by Wem Town Council, in partnership with Wem Economic Forum and would be located on The Jubilee Square and if demand is there, on the top section of the Co-op Car park.

It is proposed to invite stall holders offering Plant sales, Environmental products and services, gardening advice, how to support wildlife and healthy eating.

Climate Change awareness raising stalls would also feature, including Wem Area climate Change forum, Incredible Edibles and Wem Food Hub.

A budget has not been drawn up for the event, but it is anticipated that funds will be required for event promotion and insurance.

Stall holders will be expected to provide their own stalls and awnings and their own insurance and a request for funding to promote this event could be made to Wem Economic Forum to cover costs.

A small charge could be made for commercial stalls, all other stalls would be free.

Te event will be organised in partnership with Wem Economic Forum and it is anticipated that members will volunteer to take part in the organisation of the event so it will not all fall to Town Council staff.

Town Council staff will act as the contact point for potential stall holders and will send out booking forms and allocate stalls.

It is hoped to attract sellers who already attend the Millennium Plant Sale along with stall holders who have previously had stalls at the Sweet Pea Show.

After hearing the report, Wem Town Council agreed in principle to organise the event.