A PROGRAMME of summer events in Wyre Forest has been cancelled over concerns social distancing would be "impossible".

The annual events programme, which includes the Country and Western Festival and the Play Day in Stourport plus stage performances at Bewdley Museum, will not take place as planned this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Wyre Forest District Council said it decided to cancel the events due to the "impossibility of maintaining social distancing", as well as the "financial viability" of the events if they were to proceed with restrictions in place.

Councillor Helen Dyke, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and community protection, said “With regret, we have reached the conclusion that it is not possible for the events to go ahead safely in light of current guidance on social distancing.

"Many other similar events across the country have already been cancelled for the summer months, from rock concerts and theatre performances to flower shows and arts festivals.

"It would not be responsible for the council to go ahead with its own programme of events and increase the risk of spreading the disease for local residents and others who attend.”

The announcement affects the Country and Western Festival on August 1, the Play Day on August 5, a programme of activities for young people in the summer holidays, and performances of The Great Gatsby, Mr Stink and Boogaloo Babes at Bewdley Museum - two of which have been rearranged for summer 2021.

This year was set to be the final time Wyre Forest District Council funded summer events. The council announced last year in its budget proposals it would cut all funding to the department by 2021 if town councils or community groups did not volunteer to take them over.

Councillor Dyke said: “Unfortunately, 2020 is the final year that the district council will be able to fund the summer activities programme including events such as the Country and Western Festival.

"If town councils or other sponsors come forward to take on responsibility for funding the events in 2021, they will return next year. This was made clear in the medium term financial strategy that was published in December 2019 and there is plenty of time for new funders and organisers to come forward in time for summer 2021.

"Work is also progressing on establishing Bewdley Museum as an independent charitable trust by spring 2021 and it will be responsible for the programme of events after it assumes responsibility for running the museum from the district council.”

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