Plymouth's Mayflower 400 events cancelled for a second year due to ongoing restrictions
Bosses insist the safety of all those involved is their priority
Mayflower 400 events that were scheduled to take place in Plymouth on 10-11 July 2021 have been cancelled.
It is the second year that's had to happen because of coronavirus restrictions.
Bosses say it is impossible to rehearse and host the events, while social distancing is still needed.
They are looking at different ways of hosting the Four Nations Ceremony and Roots Up! Festival, and insist the safety of the performers, crew and audience is their priority.
Adrian Vinken, Chair of Mayflower 400 said: "Our thanks go to the creative and production teams, choirs and actors who have worked so hard to create an amazing Ceremony performance. We're devastated that we won't be able to share it with the public in the format we had planned but their safety is paramount. We're looking into alternative ways to capture and share this very special performance and commemoration with the people of Plymouth and the world so all that exceptional work is not lost."
Street Factory's Toby Gorniak, artistic director of the Roots Up! Hip Hop festival said: "We are heartbroken, but recognise that people's health must take priority. For the Street Factory family it was going to be an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the Hip Hop and performance skills of some extraordinarily talented young people, as well as to share our core values of respect, peace, love, unity and having fun, all in the context of the very important Mayflower story.
"Everyone at Street Factory has worked incredibly hard on Roots Up! and we will be searching for ways to put this unique Hip Hop festival in front of the audience it deserves."
Hannah Harris, CEO of Plymouth Culture said: "We are deeply disappointed that an extension to the Covid-19 restrictions means we have to cancel the Soundwaves Festival. The organisers and artists involved have worked so hard to develop an amazing line up but this is the right decision to make for everyone's safety.
"We are acutely aware of the ongoing and disproportionate impact these delays and decisions have on the cultural sector and live event/music industry in particular. As such, we are committed to continuing to supporting the music sector in Plymouth to restart in other ways and will be reconvening with the team to see what alternative opportunities might exist to help artists and audiences."
Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health for Plymouth, said: "We know the delay in easing restrictions will cause disappointment for many people, but public safety remains the utmost priority. Although the vaccination programme in Plymouth is going well, it's important that everyone continues to work together to keep the virus under control and follows the safety measures in place. Whilst this decision is difficult it is the right call to keep both performers and visitors safe."