Wisbech Town Council’s festivals committee has decided to put on a Rose Fair event next year. 

The parade, which is traditionally organised by Wisbech Round Table, was due to go ahead this year for the festival’s 60th anniversary.  

The parade, which is traditionally organised by Wisbech Round Table, was due to go ahead this year for the festival’s 60th anniversary.  

The four days of floral festivities used to attract visitors from across the country, with the community particularly coming together for the town centre parades.  

But there hasn't been an event or parade since covid – the last festival was in 2019.  

St Peter and St Paul's Church, the parish church behind Wisbech Rose Fair, announced in November 2021 that it would no longer be running the festival.  

Councillor Samantha Hoy, Cambs County, Fenland District & Wisbech Town Councillor, said: "While this was never a responsibility of the council, with other organisations deciding not to run it, this left only the town council to try and step in and save the event before too much time had passed for it to make a real comeback.

"It is recognised that a lot of work and effort will be required and the town council has said that the first event will aim to be a fun day, in order to get the event back on the calender, and which will hopefully then grow year after year.

"The new look Rose Fair will take place on Saturday June 29.

"The town council feel able to deliver a walking parade with a rose queen, entertainment, stalls and floral decorations and hopefully more depending on what other organisations can offer in support.

READ MORE: 60th anniversary Wisbech Rose Fair won't go ahead

"There was a recognition that we had to 'walk before we can run' and start with a fun event with the potential to grow and thrive in coming years."

Rose Fair began in 1963 when local rose growers sold rose buds in the church gardens to raise funds for the restoration of the church, which dates back to Norman times. 

Until 2019 – when Rose Fair was suspended because of the pandemic – it had continued to raise money to maintain the fabric of the church.

Anyone who would like to be involved should get in touch or attend a public meeting on October 18 from 7pm at Wisbech Town Hall