Coronavirus: RAF Cosford Air Show latest event to be postponed
With people across the country flouting the government's 'social distancing' advice and dozens of planned events cancelled, the annual RAF Cosford Air Show is the latest casualty of the coronavirus crisis.
The show, which was set to take place on June 14, has now been postponed.
A statement from the organisers said: "Further to recent updates from Her Majesty’s Government on the response to the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak, we have taken the very difficult decision to postpone the 2020 RAF Cosford Air Show which was to be held on Sunday, June 14.
"The success of the air show relies on many organisations coming together to provide a safe and enjoyable show, given the timescale and current situation we cannot guarantee normality by June.
"We must also accept that our emergency services need to concentrate on the matter in hand and not be distracted by non-essential activity such as air show support.
"Although we are disappointed to be in this position, we believe it is the right decision to protect the health and well-being of our visitors and serving personnel; this is, and always will be, our top priority.
"We want to reassure customers who have purchased tickets that they will be valid for the new date which is still to be arranged. Customers who cannot make the new date will be able to use their tickets for the 2021 show.
"There will be a refund process in place for those who wish to cancel completely. Please be patient whilst we set this process up.
"The reasons that have led to postponing the Air Show mean that we are extremely busy and that we will not be able to take phone calls at this time. However, if you need to contact us, please email admin@cosfordairshow.co.uk or message us through our Facebook page.
"We will continue to post updates to our website and repost to social media."
Two of Market Drayton's most successful outdoor events have been affected, with a music festival and the town 10k now postponed.
The Rock and Bowl directors announced that the next festival will now take place on the last weekend in May next year. To learn more visit www.rockandbowlfestival.com
The Müller Market Drayton 10k team also made the decision to postpone the next race to a date later this year, yet to be decided. Contact the organisers on marketdrayton10K@gmail.com.
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Both events were due to go ahead in May and they typically see huge crowds in the town.
Tickets for both events will transfer to the new dates.
The Shrewsbury and Oswestry Crucial Crew safety workshops for children will not go ahead this year – the last time the event was called off was during the foot and mouth disease outbreak.
Secretary Jeanette Owen said: "It is with great sadness that we have cancelled the Shrewsbury and Oswestry Crucial Crew event due to the current situation.
"Our event takes place every June for two weeks at Nesscliffe Army Camp and has been running for 25 years.
"We have only missed one year prior to this which was during the foot and mouth outbreak."
The Ironbridge WW2 Weekend, a hugely popular 1940s-themed event in which thousands descend on the town dressed in wartime clothing for re-enactments, military weapon displays and dances, has been cancelled.
The event was due to run on the weekend of May 23 and 24.
Spokesman Ben Kubiak said: "The decision was out of our hands – coronavirus emergency measures and local authority rules have made it impossible to continue or to postpone.
"Bookings made for this year (traders, campers, dance tickets) will be refunded on request (admin@ironbridgeww2weekend.co.uk).
'Evil disease'
"We are an event which exists solely to raise funds for Pilgrim Bandits Charity, which does vital work with injured and amputee service personnel, work which will be in even greater demand in the current circumstances.
"Our greatest regret in cancelling is that we will not be able to make a donation this year.
"Be assured we will be back, bigger and better, on 28 and 29 May, 2021."
Newport's Wok 'n' Roll Chinese snack bar closed its doors today.
A statement on social media this morning said: "After much consideration and careful thought we've taken the difficult decision to close today.
"We are so sorry we can no longer offer deliveries or food, but after seeing so many people up and down the country being so careless going out yesterday, we are quite fearful of a large spread of this virus coming soon and we must think of protecting our families,our staff and their families first.
"We thank you all so much your support over these last two years and you all better get ready for one hell of a party once this is all done."
The Ironbridge Antique Arts and Crafts Centre will close today in an effort to stop the "evil disease" from spreading.
A statement said: "We feel now is the right time to do our bit to help prevent the spread of this evil disease by closing the doors later today.
"The support we have had has been amazing and we've pulled out all the stops in terms of hygiene, social distancing et cetera but the last thing we want is to be encouraging others to come out when the advice is very clear to stay at home unless it's essential.
"Today is the chance to make any last minute purchases if you are doing some home improvements while you are at home, the tearoom will be doing takeaways only until we close."
The team will also contact traders separately.
By-elections due to take place in Telford have also been postponed .
Telford & Wrekin Council's returning officer, David Sidaway, announced that the Donnington Borough ward and the Donnington West Parish ward by-elections, scheduled for April 2, would no longer take place.
Mr Sidaway said: "In the current coronavirus pandemic, it’s imperative that we prioritise the health of our residents and all staff and candidates involved in the by-elections.
"In light of this, I have taken the decision to postpone the by-elections.”
The Newport Royal Navy Association Club has also postponed all events due to take place over the next six weeks.
Members said once the six-week period is up, they will review the situation and see what events can continue to take place.
