One of the biggest carnivals of the year has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Burnham-on-crouch Carnival Committee have made the difficult decision to cancel this years Carnival.

The team said it would be ‘impossible’ for them to abide by social distancing rules with so many people coming to town.

The Carnival, which always take place on the last Saturday in September, is one of the most successful and anticipated carnivals in the South-East.

Carnival Chairman, Terry Martin said: “It has been really hard to make this decision as we all look forward to this every year.

“The reasons being because of all what is going on at the moment we would not have been insured, as well as Maldon council and the Government would have given us so many extra rules and regulations to follow that it would have been impossible for us to abide by them all with so many people coming into the town and the cost and man power to put these in place.

“We are all very sorry, but hoping that the shops will still decorate their windows so that we can judge them and houses on the procession route will also decorate there gardens and have parties so that we can still have a party atmosphere in the town without there being any risk to anyone.

“At this moment in time we are unaware what the Fair are doing, as they are controlled by The Showmans Guild and Maldon Council.

“I hope that this to is cancelled as they will not be able to do social distancing and also crowd health and safety, I will await confirmation from the council on this issue as it is nothing to do with the Carnival Committee even though we do get a donation from them. so again all we can say is sorry but keep your eyes on this page, as well as the Carnival page,

“Take care and be safe everyone and lets hope we do not get another spike in the future, From Terry Martin and all Carnival committee members.”

Each year the carnival raises money in a street collection to give to local charities and fund the following Carnival.

But with the event cancelled and costs already been paid out, the Committee are asking for donations to keep the event running next year.

The committee have set up a Just Giving page to help raise £1000 so the Carnival return bigger and better.

To donate search Burnham Carnival on justgiving.com