Colourful Derbyshire celebration cancelled amid coronavirus pandemic

An annual Derbyshire celebration will not take place this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Castleton Garland Day – which was due to be held on Friday – has been cancelled for the first time since the First World War.

Jon Haddock, current Garland King, said it ‘would not be sensible’ for the village to hold the colourful event, which dates back to 1660.

Last year's Castleton Garland Day.Last year's Castleton Garland Day.
Last year's Castleton Garland Day.
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He added: “Many ideas were considered by the committee about a reduced ceremony or other such commemoration – but the reality is that if we do do something it will only encourage people to come to the village so they can say they witnessed the reduced Garland.

“We need to keep everyone safe so we can come out the other side of this trying time knowing we did the best we could to keep everyone in the village safe.

“We look forward to seeing you all next year.

“Stay at home and stay safe.”