News / coronavirus
Harbour Festival 2020 and other major outdoor events cancelled
All public events in Bristol have been cancelled until the end of July at the earliest due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Events effected include the Harbour Festival due to take place across the city centre and Pride on the Downs.
It also means that events scheduled after July are also not certain to take place, with the city council not accepting any new event applications until further notice.
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Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said: “We recognise that these events being cancelled will be a huge disappointment to the hundreds of volunteers and organisations who put in a huge amount of time and effort into their planning and delivery.
“We sympathise hugely with them and many people hoping to attend these events over the next few months.
“However, our top priority must be to make sure we can protect the vulnerable during this time of a national health crisis, and the government’s clear advice makes it necessary to take this decision.
“I hope people will understand these reasons and I’m confident that the vibrant, diverse and unique events that bring Bristol to life can return stronger in the future.”
Bristol Pride begins with a march before the party continues on the Downs – photo: Bristol Pride
Daryn Carter, CEO of Bristol Pride, added: “We know this will be disappointing, but we are already working with the council, contractors and our performers to work on a date to deliver the festival later this year and we hope to be able to share a confirmed September date for the festival as soon as possible.
“This is an unprecedented time for us all. It’s a challenging situation for everyone, as people, as organisations and as businesses – especially the many small and independent businesses and artists that we work with to deliver an incredible Pride event.
“We feel that postponing the event and mitigating the risk of a full cancellation is the responsible thing to do and will help everyone’s planning and scheduling.
“Now, more than ever, we need to remember that we are all one global community and laid bare we can see we do all have more in common than sets us apart.
“We are all human. Together we will get through this and we look forward to the chance to bring you everything we had planned, just later in the year.”
Main photo by Paul Box
Read more: 13 photos of Bristol on the last day before lockdown
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