The Verwood Carnival, planned for Bank Holiday Monday 25th May 2020 on the Fuzzy Bit, has been cancelled.

The event has cited the COVID-19 outbreak as the reason for the move, in the interest of public safety.

The Carnival committee says it feels this is the right decision and will begin planning for a return of the event in 2021 when it is safe to do so.

A statement on the event Facebook Page says: “Please be assurred that any stall bookings will be cancelled with immediate effect. No money has been banked as this has been a situation we have been watching closely for weeks. Cheques will be returned asap.

“Sadly this means that the Carnival Queen and Princess selection will not go ahead. We will return your letters if you would like them please get in touch.

“Any questions regarding the cancellation please email verwoodcarnivalprogramme@gmail.com”

For details of other events cancelled in the Verwood area, please see our dedicated Coronavirus page at VerwoodToday.co.uk/coronavirus.