Wakefield Council suspends all events as coronavirus cases rise again

The decision means events normally held by the council and by private companies on council land cannot go ahead at the present time.

The measures are being put in place to help reduce the spread of the virus. Figures show that Wakefield is still classed as an “area of concern” and everyone must continue their efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus across the district.

Gillian Marshall, Chief Legal Officer of Wakefield Council said: “We understand that this is a very difficult time for businesses who are planning events that are normally held on council land. However, we all need to recognise the seriousness of the current situation, which is far from normal and public safety must come first.

“The increase in Covid-19 in our district is very worrying and it is vitally important that at this time the council takes the right actions to do everything we can to reduce the spread of the virus in our district.”

The council made the decision during lockdown that it would not hold its usual spring and summer events such as the Liquorice Festival – instead putting it online – and it cancelled other events such as the popular seaside events.

The council has decided that it is continuing its policy, which applies to Council events on Council land and that now extend to events run by private companies on Council land.

Businesses wishing to hold events on private land will be advised by the Council not to hold the event, due to the concerns about the potential for a further rise in cases in the district. However, if they still wish to go ahead, they can apply to Wakefield Council’s Safety Advisory Group who will consider if organisers can meet a set of additional requirements of a comprehensive Covid-19 risk assessment and control measures to protect the public.

The council’s guidance will be reviewed on September 30 or sooner if new Government guidance or legislation is published.