Weston-super-Mare Carnival has been cancelled for the second year in a row - due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association (SCGFCA) has announced that the annual carnivals across Somerset will not be held in 2021 - and instead will return in 2022.
The decision followed a meeting between the (SCGFCA) comprising the seven carnival towns - Bridgwater, Burnham on Sea, Weston Super Mare, North Petherton, Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury - and the three organisations which represents the entries Bridgwater Gangs & Features, Mid Somerset Gangs & Features and the Associates.
Organisers said the current uncertainty about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic led to the decision.
David Churches, SCGFCA Secretary, said: “It was an extremely hard decision for us to make, but in the current financial climate and with so much uncertainty still present in terms of the risk from the virus, we felt this was the most sensible option for us all.
“Time is not on our side for our carnivals which are held in November, and the lockdown restrictions over the past 12 months have seriously limited the fundraising opportunities for our towns, carnival clubs and walking groups.
“When this is combined with the ongoing social distancing arrangements, there is very little chance in raising the necessary monies needed to put on such spectacular events or indeed building the amazing entries we have become accustomed to over the years.”
Annually the seven Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnivals attract tens of thousands of people from all over the county and world to the streets of Somerset and raise a huge amount of money for charities and good causes.
“I am sure many members of the public and carnival lovers will be disappointed by this news, and we look forward to welcoming them back to our carnivals as we know them in 2022,” added David.
The carnivals are the biggest illuminated parades in Europe.
