VILLAGERS have vowed to mark the start of the countdown to Christmas, despite having to cancel the Odiham Extravaganza.

The annual Christmas shopping event, which was due to take place on Saturday, November 26, normally draws thousands of people to the High Street.

But Odiham Parish Council, which funds the event, has decided to cancel it after its main organiser, Councillor Peter Fountain, fell ill.

Instead, it hopes to run a scaled-down event, called Odiham Christmas Evening, on the same day. It will feature a switch-on of the village’s Christmas lights and carol singing, but will be without regular attractions such as fair rides and market stalls.

Chairman Mark Faulkner told The Gazette: “Due to Peter’s illness, the council found itself unfortunately in a position where it has had to cancel the Extravaganza in its historical form.

“It’s really disappointing to me and the council, but the positive to have come out of this is that the community is really keen to ensure that Odiham celebrates the start of the festive period in good style.”

On Monday, the parish council held a meeting with retailers and other village representatives, including members of the congregation at All Saints’ Church, to discuss plans for the replacement event.

Initial ideas include carol singing by pupils from Mayhill Junior School and Buryfields Infant School, and late-night shopping.

The event will last from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday and the Christmas lights will be turned on at 6pm.

It will take place on the High Street, which will be closed to traffic from Palace Gate to King Street. It is hoped the Extravaganza, which has been going for five years, will resume next year.