'Virtual' Preston Caribbean Carnival called off over coronavirus risks
Preston's virtual Caribbean Carnival has been called off at the eleventh hour - due to new Covid-19 worries.
The city centre carnival, which has been running for more than 45 years, was called off in June due to lockdown restrictions.
In its place, a virtual carnival - to be streamed through social media, featuring carnival music, photographs and video from previous years and by people celebrating at home - was meant to run on Sunday.
But this has also now been postponed indefinitely.
Party goers had been encouraged to get together at home, have cocktails and jerk chicken BBQs, put on their feathers and shimmy to the music in, but new guidance from Preston Council prevents this from happening.
The organising committee said they felt it was "irresponsible" to encourage gatherings, however small.
Chairperson Tracey Harris said: "We have to follow the government and council advice and support our communities to avoid any non-vital get-togethers and our
plans now are looking to 2021 and the events next year to get us back on the road."