Kent's biggest seaside carnival is the latest to suffer a blow from Coronavirus after organisers were forced to cancel.

The annual seafront procession at Deal is the traditional finale of the town's Regatta Week with its Lorry Pull, Party on the Prom, and a teddy bear's picnic beside Forrest Amusements' funfair.

Chairman of Deal Community Carnival Association John Trickey said the decision followed months of uncertainty but had to be made because of the government's continued prohibition of mass gatherings.

He hopes there will be a "one off" event later this year dependant on the end of lockdown.

Mr Trickey said: "This year has been difficult for all of us, and there has been so much uncertainty as to what would be possible for us to organise.

"The planning of Regatta Week was well under way; however, it now appears that the advice regarding large public assemblies, government protocol and health and safety rules that sadly we have no choice, other than to cancel the Deal Regatta week 2020.

"On behalf of the Committee I would like to thank you for your understanding and continued support."

Regatta Week joins the cancellation of other shelved events in the district including the 149th Open championship at Royal St George's Golf Club, the Clifftop Challenge, Le Weekend and the Salutes the Forties events in Sandwich.

Mr Trickey added: "The nine girls who make up the Deal Regatta Courts and Rosebud of 2020 will be re-sashed and crowned as the Courts of 2021 at a special event to be held at the Ocean Rooms on February 6 2021.

"This would ensure that The Deal Regatta Queen Phoebe and all her Court will have the chance to enjoy their reign as top girls for their Town.

"We are looking forward to Regatta week 2021 with the return of Forrest’s Funfair, and the eighteen events that make up a fabulous week." Next Year's Regatta Week will take place from Saturday July 24 through to Friday, July 30, with the Carnival on Thursday, July 29.

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