Popular Crawley Christmas event cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic

Crawley Borough Council has announced Tilgate Park’s Magical Christmas will not go ahead this year.

The council said the rise in coronavirus cases and prioritising the health and safety of visitors and staff has given the local authority no choice but to cancel the event.

Cabinet member for Wellbeing, councillor Chris Mullins, said: “We are deeply disappointed to cancel this year’s event.

“However the safety of our visitors is paramount and most of all, we wouldn’t have been able to offer the special Christmas experience that the public have come to expect.”

Launched in 2018, the free event has featured thousands of twinkling lights and entertainment from local dance and musical theatre groups, and a market selling locally made gifts, food and drink.

A council spokesperson said social distancing guidelines in place, would have meant restricting entry by ticketing and would not have been able to host the number of families who normally come without tickets.

The council is looking into alternative festive events at Tilgate and in the town centre for residents and visitors to enjoy safely.

More information will be provided at a later date.