23 Apr 2020 Whittlesea
The Whittlesey Festival, which was due to be held on September 13, has now been cancelled as a result of organisational concerns relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The annual event, which usually takes place in Whittlesey town centre, has been cancelled following a decision by the Whittlesey Festival Committee.
Cllr Peter Murphy, the Council’s Cabinet member responsible for Markets & Events said “It is always very disappointing to cancel much loved community events such as this, but after careful consideration the Whittlesey Festival Committee felt they had no other reasonable option.”
“With many businesses now closed and facing much uncertainty themselves, securing advertising and sponsorship would prove challenging. Many of the headline acts in the exciting programme of music and entertainment are also, understandably, unlikely to commit at this time. Continued planning of the event at this stage would represent a significant financial risk to Festival Committee funds and the success of the event.”
The Council is currently contacting the range of stallholders, caterers and entertainers who were due to attend the festival and will offer them the option of either transferring their booking to next year's event, which will be held on Sunday 12 September 2021, or providing a full refund.
The cancellation of the event follows on from the recent cancellations of both the St George's Fayre in March, originally due to be held on April 26, and the Chatteris Midsummer Festival, originally due to be held on June 27 and 28.