Beverley Festival of Christmas reindeers cancelled due to government restrictions

The organisers of this Sunday’s Beverley Festival have announced that the Cairngorm Reindeers have been cancelled due to government restrictions.

The reindeers were due to take part in the festival parade but been cancelled due to the East Riding of Yorkshire being within a national restriction zone for a viral animal disease known as Bluetongue.

Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We are disappointed that the reindeers will not feature at this year’s festival but as the welfare of the animals is of upmost importance, we have been directed by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) that they are unable to travel into our area.’’

“The festival will now feature an additional live ice carving sculpture in Saturday Market and Santa will still be in attendance to spread Christmas cheer at this wonderful time of the year, along with over 125 stalls offering a range of food, drinks and Christmas gifts.”