Canal festival is cancelled for second year running over Covid concerns
A TOURIST event has been cancelled for the second year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Bosses at Moira Canal Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors to North West Leicestershire over May Bank Holiday weekend every year, were forced to cancel last year’s event for the first time in its 20-year history.
It had hoped to schedule the event in May this year but due to the uncertainty surrounding any further lockdowns and for the ongoing safety of families who may wish to attend, it has cancelled again, it says.
Geoff Pursglove, who has been helping to organise the event since the beginning in 2000, said: “We have never had to cancel one before but we are not alone in having to call off events this year.
“We do feel sorry for those in the leisure field whose livelihoods depend on the festival and entertainment industry.”
A further statement on the festival’s Facebook page said: “With how unpredictable the coronavirus outbreak has been, we just cannot commit to a 2021 festival with the chance of a localised lockdown, national lockdown or even event restrictions in place.
“Our committee work tirelessly on ensuring that the annual festival is entertaining, family friendly and spectacular. We also make sure that it is safe and enjoyed by all.
“Rest assured, work has began behind the scenes to ensure that the our 20th anniversary event will be the biggest, the best and the most impressive festival we have ever held.”