This year could be the last year of Eden Crafts at All Saints Church as the church announced that Eden Crafts will not return in 2025.

Many local residents will be devastated by this news as Eden Crafts has been running for 19 years.

Eden Crafts has been running at All Saints Church in Kingston every Christmas for 19 years (Credit: Nub News)

Thus, one resident has created a petition against the closure.

Speaking about why she created the petition, Hannah Newton said: "For decades, the Royal Kingston Christmas Fair has been a cherished tradition for many families in the local area and beyond, with its landmark star-topped marquee in the grounds of All Saints Church, opposite the entrance to John Lewis.

"The sounds of laughter, twinkling lights, a warm welcome from familiar traders and the rich aroma of festive treats have become an integral part of our community's festive spirit.

"Not only does the market bring joy and unity, it also provides substantial income to multiple small, locally-owned businesses.

"Unfortunately, after 19 years, the church has decided not to allow us to host the market in its grounds next year.

"This decision will not only dismantle a beloved tradition but also considerably impact the livelihoods of businesses that rely on it."

She continued: "We respectfully urge the church officials to reconsider their decision and permit the continued celebration of this beloved Kingston tradition in its longstanding location.

"By doing so, the church would uphold its role as a pillar of our community, supporting both its culture and its local economy."

In response to the petition, All Saints said: "We understand that a petition has been raised titled "Preserve the 19-Year Christmas Fair family tradition in Kingston" advising that the "Royal Kingston Christmas Fair" (Eden Crafts) will not be returning in 2025.

Eden Crafts is one of many Christmas markets that are offered during the Christmas period in Kingston, and we are glad to have been able to host them in the churchyard in front of All Saints for so many years. 

"We have formed a great working relationship with the managers and many of the stall holders in that time, and the decision to change what we do was not taken lightly."

It continued: "As the ancient parish church of Kingston, situated in the heart of Kingston town centre, we value our local community, and are committed to supporting local businesses and our local economy. 

"We have formed a partnership with Kingston First, the town's business improvement district who support and represent the businesses in the town centre, to deliver a unique Christmas offer and experience on the All Saints grounds in 2025. 

"We appreciate that many people will be disappointed that Eden crafts will not be returning but given Kingston First's long-standing relationship with local businesses in the town and background of delivering Christmas experiences and activities, we're confident the Christmas 2025 offer at All Saints and across the town centre will be exciting, festive and unique with something for everyone."

The petition has already had over 1,000 signatures.

In response to the petition, many local residents have expressed their dismay at the potential closure of Eden Crafts, with one saying: "I look forward to vising the Christmas Market every year.

"It has become a tradition in my family and I am dismayed that this may be its last year.

I'd urge the church authorities to rethink their decision and allow this long-standing event to continue."

Another said: "We need to keep the wonderful traditional market in alive in Kingston for customers and traders."

You can sign the petition here.