Council says community Christmas events must be cancelled or postponed

Carmarthenshire’s safety advisors have warned that any Christmas events involving even small numbers of people could have a serious impact on public health as Covid-19 cases continue to rise in the area.

The county’s Events Safety Advisory Group (ESAG) has urged community event organisers to do the right thing and cancel, postpone or move their planned events online to protect people in the run-up to Christmas.

The group is responsible for managing the health and safety of public events, and includes representatives from the county council, police, fire service and highway agency.

Throughout the pandemic ESAG has worked to support event organisers in the face of changing restrictions and new legislation.

Now, in the interests of public safety, they are sending a clear message that they cannot support any public events until the current Covid-19 situation significantly improves.

Sadly, this means even small community events such as socially distanced village tractor runs, Santa’s grottos, elf workshops, sleigh parades, charity swims and dips, as well as countryside hunt gatherings traditionally held on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, need to be cancelled or postponed.

Chair of ESAG, Sue Watts, said: “We know how disappointing this will be to so many people who are trying to spread a bit of festive cheer and carry out long-held traditions, but in the current situation these events could risk our communities.

“We have worked hard to support many event organisers over the last few weeks and we thank them for respecting our advice and for trying their very best to put robust risk management plans in place.

“Sadly, we are now in a position where we have to officially advise that events should be cancelled, postponed, or moved online. We hope that people will understand the reasons behind this – protecting public health is our overriding priority.”

Event organisers unclear about this advice, or requesting further information, should contact ESAG via email, marketingandmedia@carmarthenshire.gov.uk  

(Lead Image – Geograph / Mr Eugene Birchall)