A POPULAR annual Christmas event has been saved from disappearing due to a lack of funding.

The volunteer-run Blaenavon Town Team said it could no longer afford to host the town’s ‘Christmas Cracker’, but Blaenavon Town Council has agreed to pay £3,000 towards the costs of the event.

Gift and food stalls, go-karts, musical and dance performances, and a Santa’s Grotto were amongst the entertainment available at 2016’s ‘Christmas Cracker’.

After last year’s heavy rain, it was decided that this December there should be a marquee to keep the stallholders and customers dry, which is likely to double overall costs.

Cllr Barbara Lewis suggested that the council should support the event in some of the town’s heritage buildings, which would avoid road closures and save money on marquee hire.

According to the Mayor of Blaenavon, Cllr Phyllis Roberts, the council has a duty to spend public money on events popular with the community.

Rod Denley-Jones, the chair of the town team, said he was extremely grateful that the event was being supported.

“Last year, we tried to keep the prices of all the attractions really low so it was affordable for people and their families,” he added.

“It’s nice to be able to offer something else for residents to look forward to in the gloom of winter and run-up to the festive season.”

Cllr Stuart Evans proposed a donation of £650 in view of the need to spend sensibly should funding be required for future long-term town council projects.

But deputy chair Cllr Gareth Davies said the council had been guilty in the past of saving money for potential projects and ending up not spending it at all.

A date has not yet been decided for this year’s event but it is likely to be on the second Saturday in December.