While December is still many months away, a Christmas market organised by Attleborough Town Council has already proven highly controversial.

The event will take place the day before the annual Attleborough Christmas Carnival and Fair and has sparked fears it will "distract" from the usual festivities.

This has led the carnival organisers to call off their own celebrations and resulted in a flood of support for the independently-run event.

Despite the cancellation, those involved in the dispute remain hopeful a resolution will be reached in the coming months.

Members of the Attleborough Players sing at the town's Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event (Image: Denise Bradley) The Christmas market organised by Attleborough Town Council includes carolling, gift stalls and refreshments, and a representative for the authority stressed efforts were made not to duplicate features of the Attleborough Christmas Carnival.

Previously, the events have co-existed in relative harmony, although the carnival has been established in the town for much longer than the market.

But the carnival organisers felt a kick in the teeth after it was announced the Christmas lights would be switched on in Attleborough on the day........

© Eastern Daily Press