Leamington Autumn Market - Sunday 20th October
We regret to inform you that, due to forecasted wind gusts of up to 44 MPH on Sunday, 20th October, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the market.
It is with much disappointment that we must announce our first 2021 Food Festival, which was due to take place on Sunday 4th April & Monday 5th April 2021 has been cancelled.
The decision, which has not been taken lightly, has been made amidst the continued uncertainties of restrictions which will still be in place during this time.
Jamie Walker of CJ's Events Warwickshire said: 'The health, safety and welfare of our team, traders, contractors and visitors must be taken seriously during the pandemic. Whilst we will not know a roadmap out of the current lockdown until end of February, the Prime Minister has confirmed the current lockdown will be in place until at least 8th March. It would be irresponsible for us to continue to plan a major event which attracts thousands of visitors, which would take place a month after the current lockdown extension.
'We do not feel an event of this scale would be permitted to take place so soon after the 8th March, if and when rules are relaxed. We realise this cancellation will be a huge disappointment to our traders and we sincerely apologise, but hope you respect our difficult decision to act now, removing uncertainty, reducing the amount of outlay by our food & drink traders, suppliers and partners.
'We are planning to reschedule the Food Festival for later in 2021, when we believe we'll be in a much better position. Traders will be contacted once this has been confirmed with the venue. We are also hopeful that all our other Food Festivals from May onwards will take place as planned. We are putting in place several plans to implement depending on Government Advice to ensure we can deliver our Food Festivals safely in COVID Secure Environments. We just feel the Barton Marina Food Festival is too close to the end of the current lockdown to be permitted'.
Last year's event was also cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the organisers are determined to be ready to deliver this event later this year to ensure traders and visitors do not miss out on what is a great event.