ORGANISERS of the Sunday antiques market in Winchester have apologised for the late cancellation caused by appalling weather.

Torrential rain hit the market as it was setting up on Sunday morning with overflowing drains, huge puddles and fast-running water in the High Street and Middle Brook Street.

The organisers,  SMT Management Consultants said the decision was taken at 8.30am following consultations with the regular stallholders.

In a statement today, Jackie Edwards, market manager, added: “It is understandable that some people coming to the market from 11am when the weather had improved would probably see no reason for this popular market to be cancelled but decisions had to be made much earlier in the day when conditions were atrocious and everyone involved did their utmost to make this event happen.”

Sunday Speciality Markets in Winchester have now been running for three years for the art and design market and 17 months for the antique and collectibles and this the first time that such a market has been cancelled.

Ms Edwards added: “We are of course sorry for any inconvenience caused to members of the public who wished to attend the antiques fair  but unfortunately such events are totally dependent on the weather on the day which unfortunately on this occasion were against us.”

The next antiques market is on December 2.