Three of Medway's biggest festive shows have been cancelled due to ongoing concerns around the spread of the coronavirus.

Medway Council has taken the decision to postpone this year's pantomime of Peter Pan at The Central Theatre, as well as The Brook Christmas Show.

This year's November fireworks display was also shelved in response to the ongoing pandemic.

It spells further trouble for the hard-hit theatre industry which has been eagerly awaiting further clarity from the government after shutting their doors in March.

Since lockdown staff at the two Chatham theatres have been busy contacting more than 18,000 customers to amend their bookings for various productions which have been postponed or cancelled.

They will now be getting in touch with customers who had tickets for Peter Pan to discuss their ticket options before the 2021 panto tickets go on sale. Tickets for The Brook Christmas Show had not gone on sale at the time of lockdown.

Cllr Howard Doe, portfolio holder for community services, expressed his disappointment in announcing the cancellations.

“Whilst we appreciate Medway’s bonfire night at The Great Lines is a popular free event for many of our residents, this year’s event will not be going ahead with the ongoing safety of the public driving this difficult decision.

"We are committed to doing all we can to help stop the virus from spreading and we will continue to follow government guidelines and put measures in place to encourage social distancing.”

On the postponement of this year's theatre shows Cllr Doe added: “We appreciate this will be disappointing news for many families who had already bought their tickets to Medway’s Christmas panto, but our top priority remains to protect our customers and staff.

"Our box office staff have worked incredibly hard to contact customers of shows which have already been postponed or cancelled in line with government guidance, and they will continue to keep customers up-to-date as they’re contacted by more production companies.

"Please bear with our box office staff during this busy time while they work hard to contact all customers who had already bought their tickets to this year’s panto."

The council is determined "the show must go on" and was pleased to confirm the Peter Pan production will return to Chatham next year.

Cllr Doe said: "If you don’t yet have your seat booked for what’s set to be a magical adventure and entertaining performance, we will be selling the remaining tickets for Peter Pan 2021 throughout the year after we’ve contacted existing ticket holders.”

To buy tickets for the 2021 production of Peter Pan at The Central Theatre, Chatham, or to browse what’s on at Medway’s theatres click here.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

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