Days after we revealed Wetherspoon and Cara are leaving Wokingham, it has been announced that a wine festival that supports independent traders is the latest casualty of the ongoing regeneration works.
The charity event was due to be held in Wokingham Town Hall on Saturday, December 16, but organisers have said that the uncertainty around the Market Place works have left them corked.
This year’s event would have been the 10th but organisers said the poor access for both wine merchants and the public gave them no choice.
Organised by the Windsor Forest Unicorn Club, ASDW (Association of Small Direct Wine merchants) and Wokingham Round Table, the event raises funds for the Reading and Wokingham branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Wine festival to return
Although this year’s event has been cancelled, there is some good news for wine fans: they hope to return next year.
In a statement, the event’s committee said: “After nine successful years The Wokingham Wine Festival held in the old Town Hall is part of the cultural fabric of Wokingham. It has a loyal following and raises much needed funds for the local MS Society.
“Unfortunately due to the lack of clarity regarding the state of Market Pace in December 2017 proper access to the Town Hall for both Wine Merchants and those attending cannot be guaranteed.
“We now look forward to making the 10th Wokingham Wine Festival in the re-developed Town centre and Market place the best Festival ever. The new date is Sunday, December 16, 2018.”
Currently a section of Broad Street by the town hall is closed to enable utility companies to install new pipes ahead of a new flat level sandstone pavement being installed next spring.
All shops in the town centre are open as normal.
