Padstow Christmas Festival is cancelled for 2021 because of coronavirus
Organisers say case numbers are rising locally and there are concerns about pressure on the NHS over winter
Another big event in the Cornish calendar has been cancelled for 2021 because of coronavirus.
The Padstow Christmas Festival, which is believed to be one of the largest events of its kind across the country, won't be going ahead this year.
Organisers say the decision has been made with a heavy heart.
They say Covid cases are currently rising in the area and there are concerns about a winter of increased pressure on the NHS.
The event is set to return in December 2022.
Tina Evans, chair of the organising committee, said: “It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to cancel this year’s Padstow Christmas Festival, which was due to take place from 2nd to 5th December 2021.
“We arrived at this decision after a lot of soul searching, fact-finding, and through conversations with our main partner Sharp’s Brewery, and all our many other supporters and colleagues.
“We have been advised that the autumn and winter could see a number of new pressures on public health, with the NHS facing the potential threats of new Covid 19 variants, the resurgence of flu and other respiratory illnesses, as well as ongoing Covid 19 infections. This could create the perfect storm and put enormous pressure on our NHS. In addition the government has already said they will not rule out further restrictions which would mean events such as the festival would no longer be permitted.
“Anyone who lives in Padstow or in the surrounding area at the present time is experiencing an enormous influx of visitors to the area, which is under huge pressure. As we speak the Covid infection rate locally is rising, and businesses are opening and closing to adhere to the track and trace regulations, which is hugely disruptive and stressful.
“We feel that for us to add to that pressure by bringing thousands of people to Padstow at the beginning of winter would not be appropriate. As a volunteer run event we also have the health and wellbeing of our supporters to consider.
“We do hope you all understand as this has been a difficult decision and one we have not taken lightly. Our sincere hope, with all the right permissions and support, is that we can return, in partnership with Sharp’s Brewery, from 1st to 4th December 2022, better and stronger than ever, to provide Padstow with the high class event it has come to expect.”
Tina Evans, chair of the organising committee