This year there will be no carnival atmosphere on the Isle of Sheppey.

Leysdown’s annual parade has been cancelled for the first time in its 42-year-history due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The event, held every summer, regularly draws thousands of people to the eastern end of the Island, with streets usually heaving as residents, holidaymakers and visitors watch the parade and soak up the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Sheerness’ annual carnival was axed for good last year.

The committee behind the Island’s biggest parade, which was at least 123 years old, pulled the plug, blaming apathy and increasing costs.

Mary Culver, one of the organisers of the Leysdown carnival, said it was “such a shame” this year’s event would not being going ahead, but the team behind it was now looking ahead to next year - which it hopes will be “bigger and more spectacular”.

She said: “Due to the issues with social distancing, Leysdown Carnival 2020 will not be going ahead.

“We are saddened to have made this decision, but the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone in Leysdown and all of our visitors is paramount.

“We are planning towards 2021 now, hoping that everyone will want to celebrate with us and have a bigger, spectacular event to relaunch the carnival.”

Mrs Culver, who has been involved with the event for the past seven years, added: “There is plenty of time to prepare – floats can be vehicles, walkers or dancers all dressed up and decorated.

“We don’t usually have a theme but would love a bit of diversity and colour.

“We wish everyone well and safe, and look forward to Leysdown Carnival 2021 - The Relaunch.”

"We are planning towards 2021 now."

This year’s event was due to take place on Saturday, August 22.

Its highlights include a parade, which features carnival queens from across the county, stalls on The Spinney and live music.

It is hoped that the 2021 carnival will take place in mid-August.

To find out more about next year’s event or to get involved, call Mary on 07801 578883 or visit the ‘Leysdown Carnival Team Twenty Twenty’ Facebook page.

While Sheerness was not due to have its usual festivities this year, the town council had been planning what it dubbed a ‘not-the-carnival’ event.

It was going to splash out £1,000 to get an artist to organise a sea creature-themed parade on Saturday, August 15.

That, too, will no longer be going ahead.

While there would have been no floats, there was set to be entertainment around the clock tower including a samba band.

Read more: All the latest news from Sheppey