Covid cancels Christmas! Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is called off because of coronavirus while the UK’s most festive street announces it won’t hold its annual lights display
- Winter Wonderland 2020 has been cancelled over coronavirus concerns
- The London attraction in Hyde Park brings in millions of families each year
- Organisers said Winter Wonderland would be returning in November 2021
Winter Wonderland 2020 has been cancelled over coronavirus concerns – as Britain’s most festive street is forced to cancel its Christmas lights event due to the pandemic.
Organisers of the Hyde Park event have today revealed that the event would not be going ahead.
The London attraction, which started 13 years ago, brings in millions of families each year.
Last year it was estimated that 3.5 million people attended Winter Wonderland, which is a short walk from the West End, generating roughly £100 million for the capital’s economy.
Winter Wonderland said in a statement: ‘Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has always been about bringing friends and family together in a fun, safe and interactive environment to celebrate the festive season.
Funfair rides are lit up at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London, 2017
Organisers of the Hyde Park event have today revealed that the event would not be going ahead
‘Our team has worked tirelessly, exploring every possible option in the hopes of being able to move forward with the event in a responsible manner and provide London with some much-needed festive cheer.
‘However, in light of ongoing health concerns, travel restrictions and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, and considering the size and scale of this event, we just couldn’t find a way to do that without compromising the magical attractions, shows, rides, bars and experiences that make Hyde Park Winter Wonderland so special.’
Organisers said that Hyde Park Winter Wonderland would be returning in November 2021.
‘We cannot wait to bring friends and family back together to celebrate the festive season next year!’ they said.
Last year it was reported that in just 45 days, visitor numbers eclipsed the annual attendance at every other theme park in the land.
Last year it was estimated that 3.5 million people attended Winter Wonderland, which is a short walk from the West End, generating roughly £100 million for the capital’s economy
Social media users voiced their displeasure at the Winter Wonderland announcement
Entry was entirely free, with a pay-as-you-go system for more than 50 rides.
The news comes as a street once dubbed Britain’s most festive had to cancel its Christmas lights event this year due to the pandemic.
Every year almost all of the 50 houses in Runton Road in Poole, Dorset, are lit up with flashing bulbs, singing Santas and model reindeers and sleighs.
Those living in the cul-de-sac also organise performances from carol singers.
The dazzling display, which has been going for more than 25 years, attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country who donate thousands of pounds to charity.
But residents have decided this year it is too much of a risk to the public for the event to go ahead.
The news comes as a street once dubbed Britain’s most festive had to cancel its Christmas lights event this year due to the pandemic
A spokesman for the event said: ‘Unfortunately due to the coronavirus issue, after speaking to a large quantity of the residents in Runton Road it has been reluctantly decided that it would be far too much of a risk to the general public to hold our annual Christmas lights displays this year.
‘Therefore we have decided with heavy hearts to cancel all of our usual Christmas light displays and festivities for this year.
‘We do hope Runton Road Christmas Lights display will be able to return in 2021.
‘We are also very sad that this year we will be unable to help our chosen charities either which hopefully we will be able to do again in 2021.’
The event started as a result of some friendly rivalry between neighbours in the 1990s.
But it grew into a massive festive event considered one of the best displays in the country.