IT COMES as no surprise that the summer highlight in Dawlish, its carnival, will not go ahead this year.

A spokesman for Dawlish Celebrates Carnival said: ‘Following much discussion between the carnival committee, our performers, contractors and local authorities we have had to make the very difficult decision to postpone Dawlish Celebrates Carnival week until August 14-20 next year. 

‘Carnival is a fun, family and community event which attracts people from all over the country into Dawlish. With the new social distancing requirements and, as everyone’s safety is our top priority, it is not viable to put on a week full of events for the town this year.

‘This is one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to make as a committee since we came together in 2016.

‘We know we are having to break a tradition of over 50 consecutive carnivals, but we have considered our volunteers, supporters, participants, and sponsors in making this difficult decision.’

The wek-long event has built up a reputation as one of the finest on the south coast, attracting visitors to the town and acts from across the UK. 

The spokesman assured people next year they would be back: ‘ We would like to take opportunity to thank our supporters for helping us provide this week for Dawlish in past years.

‘We want to reassure everyone that we are planning on bringing you another a really, really great carnival in 2021.’