ANOTHER Christmas event has fallen victim to the pandemic as an annual market has been cancelled.

The Eype Makers Market is traditionally one of the largest and best supported Christmas markets in the area. It is organised by Highlands End Holiday Park and takes place at Martin’s Bar & Restaurant, situated within the holiday park.

Organisers have decided this year that they will not be able to operate the market safely within the social distancing guidelines amidst the Covid-19 outbreak.

However, whilst the market will not have a physical presence, the team at the helm of the event have decided to take it online this year. Highlands End Holiday Park has produced an online directory, which can be found at the Martin’s website, through which visitors can find all the makers details in one place, allowing them to make purchases and support local businesses.

Each profile in the directory has a link to the makers’ website, social media and contact details. A wide range of makers have joined the directory, including crafts, textiles, jewelry, food and more.

Tess Frecknall, venue manager at Martin’s, said: “We are hugely disappointed to be unable to host this event this year. This decision wasn’t easy, as we have now supported the market for many years.

“However, the team at Highlands End Holiday Park very much wanted to help continue their support for the Market and, like is common-place at the moment, the market has moved online with a new directory on the Martin’s Bar & Restaurant website.

“This puts all the makers details in one place, allowing us all to continue to support these local businesses. We are confident that every sale helps the local economy and we urge shoppers to have a look.”

The organising team plans for the event to go ahead, under the new name of ‘Highland’s Christmas Market’. The 2021 market will also coincide with Highlands End Holiday Park’s 50th anniversary.

Ms Frecknall added: “The Makers Market has a great reputation locally for quality and variety and we sincerely hope we can welcome people back to Highlands Christmas Market in November 2021.”

The directory can be found at www.martinsbarandrestaurant.co.uk