Town centre public events across Horsham cancelled for 2020

All public town centre events across the Horsham district are being cancelled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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The cancellations include all bandstand concerts and performances.

Horsham District Council announced the cancellations today saying it wanted ‘to manage any expectations regarding the prospects for organised public events in our town centres during the rest of 2020.’

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A spokesman said: “At the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis the council announced that, in line with UK Government and Public Health England guidelines, all town centre events or activities that would encourage the gathering of large groups of people were being suspended until the end of June, and that this situation would be kept under review.

Horsham town centreHorsham town centre
Horsham town centre

“It would now seem apparent that permission for a return to large organised social gatherings may well be one of the last types of activities to be granted.

“Many of our events require a great deal of advance planning and organisation, and therefore we need a level of certainty about an event going live if valuable time, money and resources are not to be wasted.

“Putting the safety and wellbeing of our residents and business communities first is all important for us as a council, so we now feel it is right to announce that there will be no events organised throughout Horsham District during the rest of 2020. All event partners are being informed of this decision accordingly.

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“Should Government advice change throughout the year we will review this decision and discuss with our event partners.

“Looking to the future, the council’s economic development team are now developing events which have shorter lead times so that, should the restrictions be lifted, they will be able to stage outdoor events for the benefit of the district’s residents, visitors and businesses within tighter deadlines.”

Horsham council cbinet member for the local economy Paul Clarke said: “Our district is well known for its unique events which bring enjoyment to many and support our town centre businesses.

“Whilst it is naturally really disappointing to have to cancel our 2020 events programme, we are pleased to be looking forward and planning potential events which we will be able to put in place quickly, should the coronavirus situation improve, and allow us to do so in as safe a manner as possible.”

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The council says it is also creating virtual adaptations of scheduled events on the Horsham Time Well Spent Facebook page, www.horsham.tv and other channels.

Horsham’s Saturday Markets will continue to provide essential produce and are now expanding their range of goods with a new layout, enabling crafts stalls in Market Square, all within safety guidelines, alongside their online click & collect and home delivery services.

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