One of the groups saddened by the decision to cancel all the Somerset carnivals this year was the group in Midsomer Norton.

The carnival is one of the most popular events in the town calendar.

Yesterday (April 27) it was announced that all the Somerset Carnivals, due to be held in November, were being cancelled due to coronavirus.

It is hoped that all the carnivals will be held in 2021.

In addition to bringing thousands of visitors it has been estimated that the unique events, which kick off in Bridgwater, bring over £40 million into the Somerset economy - and raise over £150,000 for local good causes.

Midsomer Norton & District Carnival say they are saddened by the cancellation - but are holding out hope that they may be able to host some small celebration of their own.

In a statement to Nub News they said:"

We are very much saddened to have made the decision to postpone our 2020 carnival, this was taken in conjunction with the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association who we work very closely with.

"Even at this early stage the restrictions around COVID-19 have already caused both clubs and towns to lose significant income and delays to building of the entries and other preparations.

"We hope to be in a position to mark the date of our carnival in some very small way, in line with any restrictions and we very much look forward to being back in 2021, in the mean time, our thoughts are with all those that have been effected by the virus and offer our thanks to all those who are tirelessly working behind the scenes to keep us all safe and well during these exceptional times."

Organisers of the Glastonbury Carnival which is also part of the circuit told Nub News that agreeing to cancel was one of the toughest decisions that they have ever taken.

Chairman, Mrs Hazel DeGregorio told Nub News:

"It has been the toughest decision in our lifetime to postpone an event which means so much to so many, we will be sorry that we will not see all the familiar faces and characters, we will all miss the laughter, the tears, the tantrums but most of all the whole carnival family. "