Ryde Carnival have cancelled this year’s children’s, main and illuminated carnivals due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, it has been announced.
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Sunday evening that lockdown will continue into July, the committee has decided to call time on this year’s events.
Whilst the events don’t take place until late August, there is a lot of preparation work that goes on behind the scenes in the week and months beforehand – all of which cannot take place at this moment in time.
Shanklin, Newport, Sandown and Cowes Carnival committees have already cancelled all of their events. There has been no word on St Helens, Ventnor or Freshwater.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Ryde Carnival has said:
“Ryde Carnival has been monitoring the Covid-19 developments and following Boris Johnson’s announcement on Sunday May 10th it has become abundantly clear that we would not be able to put on our Carnivals and Week of Events and ensure the social distancing that would be required for the safety of participants, spectators and volunteers. Consequently Ryde Carnival’s committee has made the painful decision to cancel this years Carnivals and events.
“We are planning on doing some form of parade once larger gatherings are permitted, so keep watching this space! In the meantime we will be uploading puzzles and activities to help keep you entertained.
“We share the disappointment with our Carnival Royalty who were chosen back in February long before the lockdown came into effect. They will be unable to fulfill their dreams this year, however they have agreed to retain their roles for 2021, and we thank them for their patience and their commitment to Ryde Carnival.
Article continues below this advertisement “Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years especially Ryde Town Council. Many small businesses have shown us great support each year, let’s repay them by shopping locally when they reopen.
“Ryde Carnival will be back bigger and better than ever in 2021!”
The only thing to look forward to, is the past.
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