THIS year’s Morton Stanley Festival has been cancelled in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
It had been hope the summer jamboree would be back bigger and better in 2021 after last year’s was cancelled, particularly as the borough council had teamed up with motorcycle maestros Royal Enfield.
Plans included moving the festival to Arrow Valley Country Park, to make it more accessible and to create a festival of music and motorcycles which would also attract an audience from across Europe.
However the authority said the difficult decision had been made to cancel the event again because of the preparation and timescale requirements needed to put on such a large event and the continued uncertainty with the relaxation of Government roadmap restrictions.
“We’re still very excited about this event which we plan to hold next year instead. It’s a longer wait but it will be worth it to bring an incredible festival to the town in 2022,” said the portfolio holder for leisure services, Councillor Mike Rouse.
“I wholly support the decision made by our officers and know that it is being made with the best interests of our residents at heart. It takes a lot to organise such a large event and we want to do it justice and not rush in.
“We’re expecting the event to have Europe-wide appeal and not everyone is coping with the pandemic and the vaccination programme as well as we are in the UK.
“We must wait until it’s safe to open up our town to visitors from elsewhere in the UK, as well as other countries.”
