Meeting set between traders and Keswick Convention bosses in row over dates change

Concerns have been raised that a decision to move the three-week event fully into the 2018 summer holidays could leave town businesses significantly out of pocket.

The event usually begins the week before local school holidays begin. But organisers said next year's date, set before a change to Cumbria's term dates, meant the event would begin before the holidays began in most of the country.

Bosses from Keswick Ministries, the charity that runs the convention, will hold a round table discussion with representatives of Keswick Retailers' Association, pubs, shops, cafes, accommodation providers, antique dealers, jewellery businesses, outdoor activity firms, beauty businesses and the tourist information centre.

Keswick Tourism Association and town councillors will also be included in the discussions.

James Robson, ministry director at the charity, said: "We are taking comments made about how the convention impacts trade in the town seriously and, together with members of the town council and Keswick Tourism Association as well as individuals in Keswick, are continuing our dialogue to see how we can continue engaging our community.

"We have been asked whether we are offended by some of the recent comments made. I can wholeheartedly say that we are not offended. We are keen to listen and look forward to a growing level of mutual understanding."

Any business owners who feel they are not represented in the talks can email Jutta Devenish at communication@keswickministries.org

Keswick Convention has been running for more than 140 years and now attracts more than 12,000 visitors to the town each summer.

Anyone who wants to find out more about Keswick Ministries or its plans to redevelop the town's former pencil factory into a new home for the convention can find key facts at www.keswickministries.org/about/the-derwent-project-explained