Woodville panto in Gravesend and other Christmas fun cancelled or postponed as a result of Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions
10:13, 30 November 2020
updated: 10:58, 30 November 2020
A drive-in cinema, big screen choir performances and several panto performances have been scrapped as a result of Kent being placed in Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions.
The highest tier of restrictions from December 2 means no indoor events can take place, while there are strict limits on the number of people who can gather together outdoors.
The government will be reviewing local restrictions every 14 days but it means chunks of Gravesham's Christmas programme have either had to be cancelled or postponed.
Events planned by the council for before December 16 will not now take place as publicised.
These include the drive-in cinema screenings planned for December 4 and 5, although it is hoped to schedule new dates when restrictions allow.
The Dickens Experience planned for the St Andrew's Centre on December 5, 6, 12 and 13 will also not now take place, while the Nativity and Christmas choirs on the big screen in Gravesend town centre on December 12 have also been put on hold.
And the socially-distanced panto Rapunzul – one of few which was going ahead in the county – has seen all performances at The Woodville cancelled until December 16.
Opening night was supposed to be on December 11.
A statement on the Woodville's website says: "We regret that due to the most recent government announcement regarding tiers – placing us in the very high level Tier 3 – The Woodville will be closed until at least the review date in December.
"We will be contacting all customers who have booked tickets for any shows up to December 16 to organise refunds."
Restrictions allowing, shows will start on Thursday, December 17 and run until Sunday, January 3.
Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox, Gravesham council's cabinet member for community and leisure, said: “It is of course extremely disappointing to have to put off events that we hoped would bring some much-needed joy and light relief to the people of Gravesham at the end of this difficult year.
“However, we must all understand that the Covid-19 infection rate in the borough has continued to rise throughout lockdown and the new tier 3 restrictions are important if we are to get them under control.
“The safety of everyone in the borough has to be our first priority and so we had no choice but to make these decisions.
“If we all play our part and follow the restrictions, the infection rates will start to fall and hopefully we can still celebrate Christmas in Gravesham.“
For the most up to date information on Gravesham's Christmas programme, visit www.visitgravesend.co.uk
