People in Cornwall urged to ditch New Year parties
Visit Cornwall's Chief Executive is encouraging people to wait and celebrate midsummer instead
Last updated 31st Dec 2020
People in Cornwall are being encouraged to ditch traditional New Year celebrations and wait to celebrate Midsummer instead.
The suggestion was made by Visit Cornwall chief Malcolm Bell who said it would be better to wait until the summer for celebrations.
Mr Bell said: “There is a long tunnel ahead but there is light at the end of it. Let’s maybe celebrate midsummer this year instead of New Year.
“Just be careful this New Year and think about celebrating Midsummer instead.”
Rachel Wigglesworth, Cornwall director of public health, said that it was important that if celebrating New Year people stick to guidelines.
“See out midnight in your own homes. There will be no organised fireworks.”
Julian German, leader of Cornwall Council, said that Covid street marshalls would be patrolling on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, working with the police to ensure people are safe.
He said: “We will be working in those areas, like St Ives and a number of others, where there are traditional gatherings on those dates.
“Covid marshalls have been working closely with the police and will continue to do so.”
Cllr German said he wanted to make sure residents “are aware of the dangers and potentially passing on the virus” by gathering in large groups.
He added: “We are very close to the wide rollout of the vaccine, let’s not take the risk now, let’s enjoy those gatherings later on in the year.
“We will be out, the police will be out as well but we are appealing to residents not to have those celebrations this year. Have the bigger celebrations later on next year.
“Next year has the potential to be a really special year after all the challenges we have faced this year.”