Food and Drink Festival is cancelled
THE Southport Food and Drink Festival has become the latest event to be cancelled as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
The festival would have been in its 14th year and has grown from a small number of market stalls to a major event featuring live entertainment and kids’ activities at Victoria Park.
It was due to take place across May 29-31 and, pre-outbreak, would have been expected to attract thousands of visitors. But while the strictest lockdown guidelines may be lifted by the end of May, there is no certainty surrounding what the situation on mass gatherings will be.
The organisers have now taken the decision to cancel this year’s event but say it will return to the same venue in 2021.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “Following careful consideration, we have taken the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Southport Food and Drink Festival, which was due to take place on the weekend of 29th
– 31st May.
“We understand this news will disappoint a lot of people, but we all have to work hard to stay safe and protect the health and the wellbeing of our communities, and this is the forefront of our decision. We look forward to welcoming everyone again next year.
“With lots of vast beaches and park space, we have been urging people to continue to follow UK government advice, which is to stay at home, stay safe, save lives.
“When it is again safe to do so it will ensure a warm welcome awaits visitors to Southport.”