ORGANISERS of this year’s Broadstone Christmas Parade have announced that the event is to be cancelled due to the “ongoing uncertainty” with the pandemic.

Having hosted its 50th anniversary event in 2019, the popular Christmas event has been forced to cancel in successive years.

The organisation of the event has also been impacted by “increased running costs” over the past few years and, with the possible changing of lockdown restrictions in the coming month, staff say they are unable to commit to this year’s parade.

A spokesperson from Broadstone Christmas Parade said: “It is with deep regret that we have to announce there will be no Christmas parade in Broadstone this year for the second year running.

“Due to the ongoing uncertainty with Covid we do not know what restrictions will be in place in December and we need to ensure that we run a safe event to protect the public.

“It takes a lot of volunteers and participants considerable time and effort to prepare for the event and we can't ask people to start that process without the confidence it will be allowed to go ahead.

“There have also been increased running costs imposed on us in recent years, which now means we now need to double our fundraising efforts.”

Bournemouth Echo:

With several members of the organising committee retiring this year, organisers are appealing for other residents to join the team and ensure the parade can carry on for years to come.

The spokesperson added: “Several members of the committee have now retired so the parade needs a new team to take it forward in 2022 and beyond.

“The 50th Anniversary event was successfully held in 2019, so we hope this not the end for the parade and if there is anyone interested in taking it forward, we would be happy to support you.

“We would like to thank all the volunteers, participants and sponsors that have made the parade the much-loved community event that the village has enjoyed for the last 50 years.

“Please contact bxmasparade@gmail.com if you would like to get involved.”