One of the most popular Christmas events in Ipswich has had to be cancelled this year after The Tractor Boys' clash with Manchester United was switched to a Sunday.

The Saints Christmas Market on St Peter's Street and St Nicholas Street always takes place on the last Sunday in November - and has been running for 13 years.

It was due to take place on November 24 with stalls booked and orders shutting the roads obtained.

In September, Town's match against Erik ten Hag's side was switched to November 24 meaning for organisers it was not realistic to move ahead with this year's event.

Cathy Frost has been organising the market since it started 13 years agoCathy Frost has been organising the market since it started 13 years ago (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Cathy Frost runs the Love One gift shop in St Peter's Street, and has been one of the main organisers since the Christmas Market started.

The business owner, who is also a councillor, said: "It is what it is. We thought we'd be okay because the match wasn't one of the initial ones chosen but once it was there was really no option.

"We have a couple of pubs who take part and they said they'd struggle to cope because it has a 4.30 kick-off - and it will affect the number of people in the town centre.

"On one level it is a bit disappointing but it's fantastic for the town that we've got Manchester United coming and that we're in the Premier League. We just have to get on with it."

Last year mayor Lynne Mortimer visited the market with her husband James Hayward.Last year mayor Lynne Mortimer visited the market with her husband James Hayward. (Image: Paul Geater)

She said it was not possible to reschedule the event because road closure orders have to be applied for months in advance and by late November/early December the events calendar tend to fill up.

Most stall holders were fully booked during the Christmas season - but businesses in The Saints were hoping to do some smaller-scale events during the festive season to drum up trade.

Last year Cathy Frost welcomed council leader Neil MacDonald to the market.Last year Cathy Frost welcomed council leader Neil MacDonald to the market. (Image: Paul Geater)

Mrs Frost said traders were already planning the Christmas Market for 2025 - but they would have to bear in mind the football calendar.

She said: "We all hope Ipswich will still be in the Premier League then and will be keeping a close watch on the fixture calendar, but our event has to be planned months in advance and if this happens there's really nothing we can do about it."