Barcombe Bonfire cancelled – society explains why

In a statement, a spokesman for the bonfire society said: “It is with a heavy heart that the committee has tonight voted to postpone our bonfire celebrations until November 2021.

“Under current legislation, mass gatherings of over 30 people are banned and the mitigation measures required are simply not feasible for a volunteer-run outdoor event such as ours.”

The spokesman said the health and safety of members and the community was ‘paramount’ and it could not, in good conscience, encourage crowds into the small village in the winter months during a pandemic.

“Due to this, we have also not been able to fundraise this year,” the spokesman added.

They proposed an alternative community event: “Whilst our hands are tied on our traditional celebration, we will continue to monitor government guidance closely and hope to propose an alternative community event if suitable.

“We understand this is disappointing for many, particularly after cancellation in 2016.

“However we will overcome this dreadful disease as a community and will be back stronger, brighter and louder than ever in 2021. We wunt be druv!”

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.