Events set to go ahead in Harborough town centre are being cancelled until the autumn

But the popular Farmers’ Markets will continue with social distancing measures in place
The Arts and Crafts Fair in Harborough's town centre.The Arts and Crafts Fair in Harborough's town centre.
The Arts and Crafts Fair in Harborough's town centre.

Events set to go ahead in Market Harborough town centre are being cancelled until the autumn.

They are being scrapped on The Square by Harborough District Council until August 31 amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

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

Market Harborough Food and Drink Festival, which is attended by well over 10,000 people each year, was scheduled for early August in Welland Park but has also bitten the dust.

The council said it will reassess the position, in line with Government guidance, at the start of September.

But the authority is looking at bringing back Farmers’ Markets to The Square in July or August with fencing and social distancing measures in place.

Cllr Phil King, who leads Harborough District Council, said: “We recognise 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.

“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, we must make sure that the operational and staffing requirements are in place before we press forward.”

The council is working on measures to prepare for the reopening of non-essential shops from Monday June 15 to help re-ignite the area’s economy.

It is also hosting virtual business meetings and creating a ‘toolkit’ to help struggling businesses get back on track as soon as possible.