Coronavirus: List of Oxfordshire events cancelled

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Here is a list of the postponed or cancelled events we are aware of so far, if something isn't included get in touch here and we will update the list.

Oxford Pride

Organisers have had to postpone the city's annual celebration of the LBGTQ+ community, which was due to take place on Saturday, May 30.

A statement on Facebook said it was a 'difficult decision', adding: "We are currently working towards a new potential date in Autumn 2020, which will be announced as soon as possible.

"Above all else, it’s of paramount importance to us to do as much as we can to promote the safety and wellbeing of our Pride attendees and the wider community of Oxfordshire.

"Thousands of people attend our Parade Day each year, and as a mass gathering, we cannot run the risk of further people acquiring the virus within Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties."

Oxford Town and Gown run

Organisers said it was with 'huge sadness' that they had to cancel the event, which was due to take place on May 3.

ALSO READ: School part-closed due to staff self-isolating over coronavirus

A statement on their Facebook page said: "We have been closely monitoring the escalating coronavirus situation and at a time of such uncertainty and worry, we must put health first, and we don’t feel it’s right to go ahead.

"We are so sorry that this has happened, and we want to thank all of you for your support, enthusiasm and dedication over the last couple of months.

"Your training is not wasted, if you are well, we encourage you to keep running, use it to channel emotion through an unsettling time, and be stronger come autumn."

May Morning in Oxford

Oxford's traditional May Morning celebrations have been cancelled due to coronavirus.

Organisers at Oxford City Council put out the following statement on Wednesday morning: "In line with Government coronavirus advice on mass gatherings, Oxford City Council and Magdalen College have regrettably had to take the decision to cancel preparations for this year’s May Morning Event.

"While we do not know what the situation will be in May, the emergency services who normally support the event need to be available for priority duties relating to coronavirus.

"The preparation times for the event mean decisions about the commitment of money and resources need to be made now. Given the uncertainty ahead, we have decided that it is prudent to cancel the event which will also mean the resources can be used elsewhere if needed."

Abingdon Air and County Show

A message shared by organisers on Facebook said: "The event planned for Sunday 17 May has been postponed until the last bank holiday weekend in August (Monday 31 August) but this however is dependent on whether the social gathering restrictions have been eased by then.

"Anyone who has purchased a ticket up until 18 March 2020 either online or from one of the four outlets locally we will honour those tickets for the Monday 31 August event.

"Please be aware as to our policy of no refunds."

FloFest and GloFest

Florence Park's day and night of fun have been cancelled, with organisers saying was 'with very heavy hearts' that they had decided to call of the June events.

A statement said: "We feel that this is the only decision we could safely make due to the unpredictable climate.

"We are unclear about what the next few months will bring and it is unfair to delay the decision. 

"Even if, by June, we are possibly coming towards the end of a shutdown, we don't feel that we can safely put on the event or that it would be fair to put on an event if members of our community is still suffering any effects of virus."

The event has been rescheduled for June 19, 2021. 

OX5 Run 

Oxford University Hospitals announced today the five-mile event in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, which is one of the biggest fundraisers for Oxford Children's Hospital, will not take place as planned on March 29.

Instead, runners are being urged to carry on with their training and do the race independently then send in pictures with #OX5run

Read the full story here

Women's Tour

Following consultations with stakeholders, sponsors and partners, organisers SweetSpot have decided to call off the Women's Tour.

The first stage of the cycling race was to set off from Bicester on June 8. 

It is hoped an alternative date in the international cycling calender will be found for the event to take place.

Oxford Literary Festival 

One of the biggest cultural events of the year has been cancelled over coronavirus fears.

The event, which was due to start next week, would have seen talks and events with some of the biggest writers and personalities in Britain and beyond, including Pat Barker, Penelope Lively, Chris Packham, Ken Clarke, John Humphreys and Lucy Worsley.

Also on the bill were AC Grayling, Alexander McCall Smith, children’s authors Katherine Rundell and Robin Stevens, food writer and TV presenter Prue Leith, presenter Dermot O’Leary and crime writer Val McDermid.

All New Theatre shows  

New Theatre Oxford said in a Facebook post on Monday night that it was suspending all its shows.

Read more here

The move comes after Boris Johnson's announcement advising the public to avoid unnecessary social contact, including in theatres.

Other Ambassador Theatre Group UK venues are also temporarily suspended.

Jamie Cullum show

Jazz artist Jamie Cullum has cancelled his sold-out show tonight in Oxford - and abandoned the rest of his UK tour because of coronavirus fears.

The singer and pianist was due to play the New Theatre Oxford as part of a 12-date tour.

Read more here

The cancellation follows a decision by new wave star Elvis Costello to cancel his show at the same venue last night (Sunday) and Kansas indie-rocker Piney Gir to call off her show at Oxford's Deaf & Hard of Hearing Centre on Friday. 

Westgate protest

A mass 'feed-in' event at the Westgate Centre by climate activists planned to protest against the fossil fuel industry with their children is off.

The protest was set to take place on Friday alongside other demonstrations in London and ten other UK towns and cities.

A virtual event is being considered.

Abrail2020 show

Abingdon and District Model Railway Club have cancelled their Abrail2020 show due to be held on March 21 at Abingdon and Witney College in Abingdon.

This is the first time in more than 40 years that the club has cancelled their show.

Meetings

Didcot Town Council has called off its annual meeting, planned for Wednesday, and said it will be rescheduled at a later date. 

Woodstock Town Council also called off its annual meeting, which was due to take place on Tuesday.

The Oxford Civic Society has cancelled a discussion on tourism that was due to take place tomorrow (March 17).

In a statement, the society said: “In the light of the evolving situation concerning coronavirus Covid-19 we have decided to cancel this event. 

“We very much hope it will be possible to reconvene our expert panel at some future date, and will keep you informed.”

South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse councils have postponed all formal meetings until the end of March.

A spokesman said the councils will 'review the plan for meetings scheduled after the end of the month in due course', and will consider government advice at the time.

Leisure events and activities at council arts centres involving older and vulnerable people have also been cancelled.

Staff members are also working from home where possible.

Community events

A planned coffee morning on March 21 at Bampton Chaple has been cancelled.