Some events on town square cancelled until autumn

But the Farmers’ Markets may continue with social distancing measures in place.

The cancellation will apply to all events on The Square, scheduled up to 31 August 2020, as well as the Market Harborough Food and Drink Festival, which is attended by well over 10,000 people each year, and was scheduled for early August in Welland Park.

The Council will reassess the position, in line with Government guidance, at the end of that period.

However, the Council said it is looking at bringing back the popular Farmers’ Markets to The Square in July or August with fencing and social distancing measures in place.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “We recognize that events being cancelled is disappointing, and clearly, this is a difficult decision, but the welfare of the public, staff and event operators is our top priority. The impact of Covid-19 is still ongoing, and we do not yet know when it will be safe for events to practically resume, so this is a very necessary decision.”

Cllr King added: “In line with Government guidance, we are hoping to resume the Farmers Market in the summer, but of course must make sure that the operational and staffing requirements are in place before we press forward.”

The Council is currently working on a number of measures to prepare for the reopening of non-essential shops from 15 June 2020 to help re-ignite the local economy and ensure businesses can reopen safely. It is also hosting virtual business meetings and creating a ‘toolkit’ to help businesses get back on track.