21 July 2021

The Canberra Fair and Christmas in July events latest COVID-19 casualties

| Lottie Twyford
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Crowd at Christmas markets

Unfortunately, it will now be July 2022 when Canberrans get to experience the magic French markets at Christmas in July. Photo: Christmas in July.

The Canberra Fair and the French Christmas in July markets have become the latest major casualties of the COVID-19 lockdowns that have spread across Australia in the past few weeks.

The Christmas in July event had been originally planned for the first weekend of July 2021, but after the outbreak in NSW, it was rescheduled until 29 July to 1 August, but is now cancelled.

It’s now hoped the event will go ahead in July 2022. People who had booked tickets will receive refunds during the coming weeks.

Festival director Vincent Hernandez says that while it’s heartbreaking to not be able to run the event this year, his team will be bringing the markets to town in 2022.

“We were literally installing the event when we had to cancel and it had been a lot of hard work from the team during the past few months,” he says.

“But we really want Canberra to experience the markets and we will be seeing you all next year.”

It was hoped Christmas in July would bring a taste of Europe to travel-starved Canberrans with authentic French Christmas markets, fake snow, fires to toast marshmallows, and an outdoor cinema showing Christmas films.

Group of women sitting on a lawn having picnic

The Canberra Fair will celebrate everything from events to food to small business when it finally goes ahead in February 2022. Photo: Danielle Cleary.

Unfortunately, it’s not the only event to be rescheduled in the ACT.

The Canberra Fair which was scheduled for the end of August, will now go ahead in summer on Sunday, 6 February, 2022.

However, one half of the duo behind the fair, event organiser Danielle Cleary from Danielle Cleary Events, is encouraging potential businesses and attendees not to be disheartened.

“While the event change of date was necessary in the interest of health and safety, I’m always the optimist – now there is more time for businesses to express their interest in exhibiting and attendees to register,” she says.

“I’m looking forward to gathering our Canberra and surrounding region community for all the fun of the fair early next year.”

Once famed for its extensive showcase of all things weddings – bridal gowns, suits, cakes and venues – The Canberra Fair is preparing to morph into more of a general celebration of Canberra.

READ ALSO Canberra Writers Festival postponed after a second COVID-19-hit year

Along with the traditional bridal showcase, there will be food trucks, entertainment, The Parade fashion runway, and a small business market. The general arena will showcase a range of lifestyle, travel, fitness and events brands while the small business market will help local startups to experience the flavour of the fair thanks to an introductory low exhibit fee.

A partnership with Russell Evans, from Experience Eats, will ensure attendees are kept entertained with full bellies throughout the day, and will also add to the event’s family-friendly appeal.

Emceeing and keeping the event running smoothly will be Verv Property principal Jason Roses, who says it’s a great initiative for his clients as well as the wider Canberra community, and he’s excited to get involved.

The Canberra Writers Festival has also been pushed back until late October or early November 2021, but organisers are optimistic about running a spring/summer event.

While many events are still going ahead in the ACT, as always, check with event organisers for the most up-to-date details to ensure you’re not disappointed.

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