Dover Carnival has been cancelled because of coronavirus lockdown.

The procession on July 5 is the latest in a long line of events to be cancelled across the county because of uncertainty over the length of time we have to stay indoors.

Committee chairman Colin Habbershaw said: "We as a committee have decided that in the current COVID-19 crisis that we will be cancelling this year's carnival parade on July 5.

"The decision was a hard one to make but has been made as we need to prioritise the health & safety of everyone involved which include participants, volunteers and members of the public."

It comes after our sister paper the Dover Mercury reported in March that the new carnival court had been selected.

Senior queen Lily Kirk was chosen as Miss Dover Town while her deputy was Lara Lynch.

Kiki Dempsey and Marissa Cloke became the Senior Princesses.

They were chosen during an annual selection at Dover Town Hall and were due to represent the town at events and parades around Kent, Essex and Sussex.

The rest of the court included Paige Habbershaw (Junior Miss Dover Town), Sophie Longhurst (deputy), Evie-Rose Erridge and Teegan Habbershaw (junior princesses).

The Dover Town Carnival Group is a different organisation to Dover Carnival Association which has its own carnival.

Next year's event has been scheduled for July 4, 2021.

Mr Habbershaw added: "As for the present court, they will be kept on next year as I anticipate that most parades and events will be cancelled this year due to the present situation them so they can represent our town properly as intended

"However when the isolation ends and its safe to do so, any public appearances and fundraising events can be carried out."

John Trickey, chief executive of Deal Community Carnival, is still hopeful he will be able to host Deal Regatta Week.

The programme of events is scheduled to begin with the Teddy Bear's Picnic on Saturday, July 25 and will culminate with Deal Carnival on Thursday, July 30.

Mr Trickey said: "We are very optimistic.

"We're working with Forrest Amusements and Dover District Council in the hope that Regatta Week will go ahead as in previous years."

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