Black Country Boating Festival cancelled
A boating event set to be held in the Black Country later this year has been cancelled due to coronavirus.
The Black Country Boating Festival was due to be held in September at Bumblehole Local Nature Reserve in Netherton, Dudley.
The event normally attracts more than 12,000 visitors – with live music, real ales and ciders, boats of all types as well as craft and trade fairs.
Festival director Paddy Grice said: "Whilst we are devastated that we cannot hold the event this year – the first time in 35 years - the safety of the public, our volunteers, traders and boaters must come first.
"All being well we will be back in 2021 and will be looking for volunteers to help in the planning."
It comes after discussions were held with council chiefs, volunteers and traders – with the organisers having no option to cancel to ensure the public are safe.
