DEVASTATED Worcester Carnival organisers have vowed to come back stronger in 2021 after they were forced to axe this year’s event from the calendar.
Organisers revealed the ‘sad but inevitable, decision’ on Monday evening due to the impact of the COVID-19 virus and based on current government guidelines about mass gatherings and social distancing.
The news came in the same week the county saw its first Coronavirus death at one of its hospitals. Health chiefs confirmed a patient being treated for COVID-19 died at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.
An estimated 21 million people watched the Prime Minister announce the biggest crackdown on British freedom to move around since the war on Monday in a bid to tackle the outbreak which has seen 29 reported cases in Worcestershire and one death.
At the time of writing, nationally there have been more than 8,000 cases so far and 422 deaths.
While organisers revealed their devastation, they also backed the actions the Government was taking in the fight against the virus.
“It is a huge commitment from the many community groups who take months to develop and build their floats and so we wanted to let you all know as soon as possible,” a statement from the committee read.
“Worcester Carnival is all about inclusion and many of our participants will be in the most vulnerable groups so, as much as we are saddened at the prospect of not putting on this much loved community event, we know it is the right decision. We promise to bring you a bigger and better Carnival in 2021.”
Visit www.worcester-carnival.co.uk for more.
