KNUTSFORD’S Pumpkin Path and Christmas markets are still on schedule to go ahead despite the cancellation of the town’s music festival.

The 2020 festival was due to take place in June, but was postponed recently by the town council because of the coronavirus pandemic to a potential date in September.

However the council’s Events Committee agreed this week to cancel the festival because of the potential health risks of holding the event and after considering the latest government guidance.

Events officer Alex Brown said: “With huge regret the decision was taken that it would not be sensible to attempt to hold the event.

“Knutsford Town Council prioritises the health and safety of our residents, and we do not feel that continuing with a large-scale event at this time is the best way to do this.

“We know this will be disappointing for those planning to join us for a great line-up of musicians, for the performers due to perform and for local businesses who were organising events in their shops, bars and restaurants.

“However we hope that all can understand this decision was made with the best of intentions to keep our residents and visitors safe.

“Planning for the 2021 festival will begin immediately with a view to announcing the dates of next year’s events as soon as possible.

“We will be contacting everyone who purchased tickets for events to offer a refund and ask that all ticketholders bear with us as we process a large number of refunds.

“The council will continue to closely monitor the guidance in relation to events as things develop over the coming months.

“Currently there have been no changes made to the Pumpkin Path event scheduled for October 31 or the Knutsford Christmas Markets scheduled for November 28 and 29.

“The committee will review advice closer to these events and make decisions as to whether these events can be safely held in the coming months.

“Knutsford Town Council would like to thank everyone for their patience as we work hard to minimise disruption during this tough time, and we will continue to keep the public updated with our plans as we proceed.”