This year’s Egremont Crab Fair has been cancelled due to the death of Queen Elizabeth.
The committee has posted on social media that it made the ‘very sad decision’ not to press ahead with the event, which would have been the first since the pandemic.
Committee chairman Callum Scott added that it has been a very difficult decision to make but that due to the fair’s Royal Chartered status, it was the necessary and right thing to do.
He added: “We have missed the last two years because of COVID, and we’ve spent the last 12 months planning this event and we had everything in place, but the nation has been hit with the devastating news of her Majesty and it doesn’t feel right or seem right to hold the Crab Fair while the nation is in mourning.
Callum added that after meeting last night and being unable to decide on whether to cancel the fair, the committee had a positive meeting this morning where a majority agreed to cancel the fair.
“We believe it’s the right decision, the committee is very gutted it isn’t happening but we’re hoping we’ll be respected by the community for the decision that has been taken.
“I stand by the committee, there was a lot of debate and differences of opinion, but the committee have respected the majority and we think we’ve made the right decision to cancel it.”
He added that the committee members are now starting the process of contacting main acts, stall holders, exhibitors and the fairground to tell them that the event is cancelled for this year.
The statement posted to Facebook said: “The Queen represented everything that the Egremont Crab Fair stands for. A desire to actively serve and promote the local community, to champion rural and ancient traditions and to instil community spirit and togetherness.
“The Egremont Crab Fair committee have made the very sad decision to cancel this year’s event: inclusive of all events leading up to the Crab Fair weekend and the weekend itself.
“For clarity, The Queen disco and darts competition this evening have been cancelled. This was a difficult to decision to make; but we feel that as the country mourns – we must do so also.
“The committee will be in contact with all parties – acts, entrants, stall holders – in the coming days. The committee are also beginning to process refunds for purchased tickets and we will be in contact in due course. As a community: we stand together.”
