Wisbech church calls off its nationally renowned flower festival amid fears over Covid-19

An annual Fenland church flower festival which attracts visitors from all over the country has been cancelled this summer due to fears over the coronavirus.

In a statement issued at the weekend the Rev Canon Matthew Bradbury announced St Peter's Rose Fair Flower Festival, which was due to take place in July, has been called off.

He said the decision was made amid widespread restrictions on public gatherings and the understanding that national safety measures are likely to be in place for many weeks if not months.

Rose Fair Committee chairman, Tony Foice-Beard, announced the decision yesterday (Sunday), having obtained the views of all committee members by email.

Mr Foice-Beard has notified the other main participants and stakeholders, such as the Wisbech Round Table (whose members organise the Saturday Rose Fair parades) and the other town churches.

Canon Bradbury said: "Partner organisations will doubtless be making their own decisions in due course but it is acknowledged that the withdrawal of the St Peter’s Flower Festival may precipitate the withdrawal of other contributors.

"This is a matter of huge regret for all of us who share in the work of this wonderful town festival, but even if the current restrictions on public gatherings were to be withdrawn in time for the flower festival to take place, all of the necessary planning and preparation, which is usually by now well in hand, would still not be possible.

"If all is well we will be back next year, and what a joyful occasion that will be!"