WATCHET’s popular carnival weekend, scheduled for the last weekend in July, has been cancelled for the second successive year because of the coronavirus, the organisers announced this week.

“It was a very hard decision but we feel it is the right one in terms of social distancing and protecting the general public,” said Leslie Abbott-Garner, one of the organising team. “Hopefully, in 2022 we will be in a much better position.”

She said: “It is with deep regret that the town’s popular free community event will not be going ahead. Once again it is a huge disappointment for everyone but it has not been possible to hold fundraising events to accumulate resources or to plan the event.

“The highlight of our annual carnival celebration is the parade and we greatly appreciate all the hard work and effort that is put into the floats, costumes and personal displays making Watchet buzzing with street activity and crowds.

“We do not wish to endanger anyone watching the parade, or enjoying the social and fun experience of getting together for our free annual community event, but the uncertainty in the timescale of lifting Covid restrictions has been another factor in our decision making.

“More people need to be vaccinated before larger outdoor events can resume safely and effectively.”

Lesley added: “So sadly, we have made the decision to postpone the carnival weekend to July 30-31, 2022, which will also be our 25th anniversary of the carnival in its current format when people can hopefully meet and socialise freely and safely.

“Fundraising for 2022 will resume as soon as the situation allows. We thank you all for your continued support.”