No show as string of events are axed
STUART PIKE
THE borough’s biggest event has led a catalogue of highprofile events to fall foul of fears over mass public gatherings, leaving Accrington’s busy spring and summer events calendar in tatters.
The popular annual Great Harwood Agricultural Show was due to take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25, but organisers have confirmed it will not be going ahead due to coronavirus.
They said they have ‘reluctantly’ taken the decision and that it is ‘in the interest of everyone concerned’.
Around 10,000 people normally attend the annual event which is held at The New Showfield, off Harwood Lane in Great Harwood.
In a statement shared on social media, the officers and committee of Great Harwood Agricultural Society said: “Due to the current situation with the Coronavirus, and in the interest of everyone concerned, we have reluctantly made the decision to cancel this year’s show. We take this step with regret.”
Church & Oswaldtwistle Rotary Club have also called off their annual Rotary Walk due to the crisis, following discussions this week, while Accrington Lions have cancelled their World Down’s Syndrome Day/ Pooch Parade and 80s fundraiser events.
The events were due to be held on March 21 and March 28 respectively.
In a statement, the Lions said: “We apologise for any disappointment but we have a duty of care to stallholders, members and anyone planning to attend.”
The Civic Arts Centre and Theatre in Oswaldtwistle said it was staying open, but monitoring the situation closely.
A message on its Facebook page on Monday evening said: “News and advice is changing hourly so we are monitoring the situation all of the time. The government have recommended that people avoid clubs, pubs, theatres and restaurants.
Clearly if people are avoiding the theatre then we can not hold events or keep open.”
Accrington’s flea markets have also been put on ice.
A Hyndburn council spokesperson said: “After considering government advice and to ensure sufficient staff are available to operate the main market days safely, we have taken the decision to suspend the Sunday car boot with immediate effect. Anyone who had rebooked for next Sunday will receive a full refund. We hope people will understand the reasons and that we are able to reinstate sometime soon”.