The much-loved Carnival Procession in Malmesbury has been cancelled this year.
A variety of events have been taking place over the last few weeks as part of Carnival Month, with the Carnival Procession due to take place on Saturday (September 4.)
Thousands typically line the streets to watch a variety of creative floats parade through the town centre with many donning brightly coloured costumes.
However this year, the difficult decision has been made to cancel the event. Due to the pandemic, it has been harder for people to create floats for the Procession.
The Malmesbury Carnival Committee said in a statement: "Procession can only go ahead with the full involvement of the community and of all the many and various organisations within the town.
Photo by Robert Peel
"Sadly, though understandably, many of the groups that have participated in Procession over the past few years are finding it hard during the pandemic, to come together to create the floats which are such a feature of this wonderful, crowd pleasing and money raising event.
"With an event like Procession involving road closures, the emergency services and the help of numerous volunteers and stewards, we have taken the difficult decision that with only a handful of entries, we cannot justify running the event this year.
"This is disappointing news, particularly for those who have been preparing for this year’s event, but let’s not despair!
"Despite the challenges provided, a great festival has been achieved thanks to the fantastic efforts of committee, volunteers, and the various acts, contributors and participants (that’s all of you!). Not to mention a whole host of amazing sponsors who also believe in Carnival and our amazing community the way we all do. "So, let’s end with a BANG this bank-holiday weekend with a few final, amazing events where you can give us your energy, enthusiasm and support for Carnival.
CLICK HERE FOR A GALLERY OF MALMESBURY CARNIVAL PROCESSION PHOTOS FROM 2018
"Help us finish on a HIGH and to set our sights on next year’s extravaganza, when more favourable conditions and time to plan will allow us to run the type of ‘full-on’ Procession that we all know and love."
Organisers have encouraged those saddened by the news to look to 2022 when an even bigger Carnival can be had in Malmesbury.
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