Wirral Council has confirmed that all major outdoor events scheduled to take place this autumn and into the Christmas period have been cancelled.
The announcement comes after Wirral was placed in tier three restrictions to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Popular events such as Christmas light switch on’s, community firework displays and remembrance Sunday have all been cancelled following the government ruling that outdoor mass gatherings should not take place where social distancing can’t be controlled and maintained
Wirral’s annual Bonfire night displays usually attract more than 14,000 people to seven different parks and last year’s River of Light attracted more than 50,000 to New Brighton.
Several thousands of people also pay their respects at the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the cenotaph in Hamilton Square.
Cllr Janette Williamson, Leader of Wirral Council, says: “It is with a very heavy heart that we have had to cancel these important events but we could not bring thousands of people together and risk exposing them to coronavirus – people’s health has to be our priority.
“Remembrance Sunday is hugely important for families around the borough and whilst we can’t mark this year’s commemorations together this, I invite residents to join us remotely as we pay our respects at home.”
Wirral council advised that residents should not arrange their own community events and gatherings in place of the cancellation of these events and that requests to hold events (such as firework displays, Christmas markets and Christmas light switch on events), no matter how large or small, will be refused for public safety.
