THE organisers of Whitchurch's popular Blackberry Fair have outlined their hopes for the future of the event.

The street festival and parade is typically held annually in October but was cancelled this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But there were already question marks over whether the event would go ahead anyway because of a lack of funding, with fundraising goals reached at the last minute.

Despite the disappointment of the cancellation, event organiser Steve Chapman remains optimistic about future events.

"Small as it is Whitchurch Blackberry Fair has remained totally committed to our community for over 12 consecutive years, its positive ethos firmly rooted in connecting the people with a sense of place and identity whether you've lived here all your life or arrived as a welcome visitor," said Steve.

"Without detracting from that intrinsic purpose it's also nurtured a colourfully familiar marketable brand that by now requires small marketing investment yet still brings in vast sums of money to the local high street economy.

"Though often referred to as only one day in the year, its influence has rubbed off putting Whitchurch firmly on the green and creative map of north Shropshire and as its popularity grows is now extending into the visitor economy filling out accommodation.

"These achievements have taken the blood sweat, toil and in kind financial investment of a few committed people.

"[Last year] was perhaps one of our most challenging years.

"We were turned down for two large grants yet the community team behind it created one of the best years on record.

"So much so that had 2020 gone ahead we would have had to look very carefully at how we evolve as visitor numbers are now beginning to outstrip what we're able to deliver effectively and safely on the high street alone.

"The mounting pressure on its organisers be it from the scrutiny of the Shropshire Health and Safety Emergency Planning Committee to sourcing the necessary funds or our constant search for a practical base to work from is beginning to take a heavy toll.

"Thankfully organisations like Twemlows Solar Farm have demonstrated real confidence in us and gave the fair £5,000 in 2020.

"Blackberry Fair invests £45,000 to stage the autumn event everyone comes to. In hard cash terms it's shown as £25,000.

The rest is in kind and that includes the main organisers who spend 12 months of the year putting it all together.

"For the fair to have a sustained future some of that in kind time will have to turn into paid roles, it would be inconceivable for anyone new stepping in to take it on for nothing.

Steve believes that forming a Community Interest Company (CIC) may be the best way to run the fair in the future.

"We follow other similar projects around the country, some of their costs run into teens if not hundreds of thousands of pounds," Steve added.

"Pound for pound Blackberry Fair is still very good value for money sourcing regular and realistic collaborative financial support goes a long way to making the fair and its marketable evolution sustainable and an even greater asset to the town.

We're aware that 2020 didn't happen and realise that 2021 potentially remains an unknown challenge both practically and financially.

"That mustn't stop us planning and supporting each other for the future.

"We're keen to bring it back with ail the vitality and energy it's become known for.

"None of us can foresee what 2021 will look like but if we work together we stand a much greater chance of dealing with whatever comes our way."