The annual crowd-pleaser was due to take place on 20 August, but the organising committee has now announced that it has taken the “unavoidable” decision to cancel it.
It said: “It is with great regret that the Gorey Fete Committee announce that Gorey Fete 2020 has been cancelled. The unavoidable decision was taken due to the present Covid-19 pandemic and the difficulties both for the concessions, the establishments on the pier and the committee members and volunteers, all trying to ensure social distancing at the event.
“The fete incurs considerable costs to run, money that could not have been retrieved had the fete not been able to be held in its usual form and the committee made the responsible decision in the interest of public safety.
“This is most disappointing for the committee as all enjoy organising the event, seeing the many friends who come to the fete annually as well as raising money for many local charities on the island.”
The committee added that it had yet to make a decision on whether to hold the St Martin’s Bonfire in November, which it also organises. Last year, the event had to be cancelled because of bad weather.
Instead of the fete, the committee will be holding ‘A Grand Raffle’ on the same day at St Martin’s Public Hall.
