Christmas Carol Concert Cancelled

Hello all,

It is with a very heavy heart and deep regret that we must announce that Sunday’s Carol Concert can no longer go ahead.

We have done all our planning in accordance with current Covid regulations, and - as part of that- we have undertaken consultation with Blackburn with Darwen Council. The Council are concerned that an event of this size would potentially lead to infringements of the social distancing rules, and the organisers would be held responsible for any infringements. While we believe we have a robust plan to manage distancing, on arrival, during the event and after, and that those coming would take due care, we know we could not guarantee that everyone would keep fully to the rules - and any infringement could be deemed non-compliance.

We wanted this to be a positive and joyful event, but the risk of heavy fines and negative publicity would make it the opposite.

In discussion with St Anne's and Edgworth Methodist church we feel we must postpone this celebration till a time when it is possible to do it without worry. We do know how much people were looking forward to this event, we are grateful to all who have helped in the planning, and we are sorry that we cannot continue, but the risk is now too great.

But this is not ALL negative... what has come out of trying to organise this Carol Concert has been a recognition of the desire for The Barlow, the churches within our community, The Cricket Club, and Edgworth Primary School to work together to put on a truly village wide event, this experience and the relationships built will stand us in great stead for when we are able to celebrate an end to restrictions and we hope we can put on a wonderful village-wide event that will highlight all that is so good in this wonderful area we live in.

Mike Fay

Chair of The Barlow