RINGWOOD Carnival has been cancelled for the second year in a row scuppering plans for the autumn spectacular.

Cancelled for just the third time in its near 100-year history, the decision was made due to “many aspects that are out of the control of the Ringwood Carnival Committee”.

This year’s event was due to be held on Saturday, September 18.

A carnival spokesperson said: “This decision is a huge disappointment for our us and our residents, but there were too many factors that took it out of our hands.”

“We know how sad the residents and especially the children will be about this decision - it has certainly been a very difficult one for us to make, and we are extremely disappointed that we will not get to everyone’s smiling faces lining the streets of Ringwood as planned.

“We had planned quite a lot for this year, but the uncertainty around Covid and other circumstances has forced the decision. However, what we can say with a degree of confidence is that Ringwood Carnival will be back bigger, brighter and better than ever before in 2022.”

Mayor of Ringwood, Councillor Tony Ring, said he greatly regretted that the carnival team had found it impossible to go ahead.

“We live in hope that our improving situation will allow for the carnival to produce a bumper year of sorts in 2022,” said Cllr Ring.

“We’re all in the same boat across the country and the fear for organisers is of course that, though there may be an easing of restrictions, there’s still that element of gamble and doubt. There would be an onus on organisers to ensure protection for residents and with the huge crowds that attend the carnival and other events every year, we understand that it’s just not viable this year.”

Ringwood's first carnival took place in 1928 and was staged to fund the purchase of a field as well as supporting the Royal Victoria & West Hants Hospital.

Following the announcement that the event had been cancelled on the official carnival Facebook page, members of the public posted comments of support.

One resident said: “Thank you to Ringwood Carnival Committee for all of your hard work in trying to make the Carnival happen this year.

“Such a shame that it can’t go ahead but completely understandable in the times that we’re still in.”