Christmas events cancelled across Hampshire and Southampton

In Southampton, city bosses have halted all events set to take place on council-owned land until the end of the year, whereas in Hampshire, county leaders have said it is "too early" to make a decision.

However, many district authorities have already taken the decision to cancel events.

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WHAT HAS BEEN CANCELLED SO FAR?

Well, quite a bit, with even more being reviewed.

Southampton

• Remembrance service at the Cenotaph
• Christmas Markets on Above Bar Street
• Southampton's Christmas lights switch-on
• Singing in the Square
• Southampton Common 10k
• Movember 5k and 10k runs at Southampton Common

The council said the decision to cancel events "will be subject to ongoing review" and follows further assessment of government guidance.

It added that "alternative and safe" plans to mark Remembrance Day are being developed.

The authority also confirmed that it is working with GO! Southampton on "safe activities" in the city centre in the run up to Christmas.

These will include Christmas lights and a Christmas tree. Lights will also be displayed in Bitterne, Bitterne Park Triangle, Lordshill, Portswood, Shirley and Woolston.

Winchester

• Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

The cathedral announced on September 30 that it had taken the decision to cancel the Christmas Market.

They say the event is no longer viable "due to the recent increase in Covid-19 cases, growing uncertainty and the tightening of government restrictions".

The famous market, which draws tens of thousands of visitors from across the world, was due to go ahead on November 19 in a more socially-distanced way, with chalets spread over a much wider area and without the ice rink.

Eastleigh

• The full Christmas lights switch-on fireworks event

The town authority says it is still considering what other events can be held in the lead up to Christmas in line with government guidance.

However it did confirmed that a 27ft artificial light tree will be in place in Leigh Road precinct.

Fareham

• Christmas lights switch-on

But the borough council said it will be looking “at doing something virtually instead”.

The authority also confirmed that it is currently still planning to hold an outdoor Christmas market from December 4 to December 6 in the pedestrianised area of West Street with market and food stalls.

Andover

Test Valley Borough Council says it "has taken a fresh look at Christmas activities" and has developed a series of new initiatives set to be held in Andover.

The festive celebrations will begin at the end of November with the Andover Christmas Tree Festival.

There will also be a Christmas Market in the town centre on November 29.

Rest of Hampshire

There is no news yet on what will happen to events in Romsey and parts of the New Forest.

• Southampton city council cancels Christmas and Remembrance events

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH HAMPSHIRE AS A WHOLE?

Well the future of other Christmas events across Hampshire still hang in the balance as the council has said it's "too early" for decisions to be made.

Simon Bryant, director of public health at Hampshire County Council, said: “It is too early for final decisions about whether to proceed with Christmas markets, lights switch on and other festive events.

"However, given the rising COVID-19 infection rates in Hampshire and the further Government restrictions on social gatherings now in place, it is likely that our advice will be that these do not take place this year. We will continue to monitor the situation very closely over the coming days and weeks.”

WHAT ELSE HAS BEEN SAID?

In Southampton, the city council’s decision has been described as “disappointing” by leader of the Conservative opposition Cllr Dan Fitzhenry.

But, Cllr Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for culture and homes, said that the council's "absolute priority" must be on "the health and wellbeing of people".

She added: "It would be irresponsible not to act on the professional advice being given by public health experts at this time.

"We will of course continue to review the situation and look forward to working with organisers to bring back much-loved large events when we can, as soon as it is safe to do so. ”

Cllr Dan Fitzhenry, opposition leader in Southampton, said the news is disappointing.

Up the road in Winchester, a spokesperson for the council confirmed that several events were being reviewed.

They added: “We are aware that there are a number of Christmas and other seasonal events planned in the district, and the council along with many other agencies will work together to review the detailed plans prepared by event organisers for any proposed events in light of recent government announcements regarding COVID-19.

"Any updates and outcomes to these events will of course be communicated in due course.”

• If we have missed any events that have been cancelled, let us know in the comments below