Coronavirus Cancellations: How Isle Of Wight Events Have Been Affected

As reports suggest mass gatherings in England could be banned from as early as next weekend, Isle of Wight Radio takes a look at the impact COVID-19 is having on things locally. *Scroll down for updates* As of Monday (16), events with more than 500 people will be postponed in Scotland. Sky News says it has been told by a government source that ministers want to implement a similar protocol in England. It is hoped it will ease pressure on emergency services. So what affect is coronavirus having on the Island's events? Isle of Wight Festival The iconic event attracts thousands of revellers every year - and according to organisers that will NOT be changing as things stand.  As previously reported by Isle of Wight Radio, a statement released last week said the event would go ahead as planned, at this current time. [caption id="attachment_1271615" align="aligncenter" width="640"] IW Festival 2019 - Sunday Main Stage - Richard Ashcroft.[/caption] Lewis Capaldi, Lionel Richie, Black Eyed Peas, Snow Patrol and Duran Duran are among a stellar line up of acts scheduled to perform on the weekend of June 11-14 at Seaclose Park, Newport. Isle of Wight Scooter Rally Rumours circulated online last week that the annual scooter rally would NOT got ahead. However, organisers V.F.M quickly denied the rumours. [caption id="attachment_1277499" align="aligncenter" width="640"] International Isle of Wight Scooter Rally
Ryde 2019
Isle of Wight
25 08 2019
Copyright Graham Reading Photography
Credit www.grahamreading.com[/caption] They urged visitors to 'ignore any misinformation' by using its genuine rally Facebook page or heading to its website. More on that story here.  Spectrum the autism festival Spectrum – The Isle of Wight’s Autism Festival, has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. The event, alongside the Fun House Experience, was due to take place  this month. [caption id="attachment_1292712" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Pat Sharp is due to attend Spectrum.[/caption] Read what organisers have to say, here.  Walk the Wight One of the Island's biggest charity fundraisers - Walk the Wight - has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. We're being asked to Walk the Wight in our own way by completing steps at home or in our garden. More on that here. Newchurch Male Voice Choir It is not just mass gatherings that are taking precautions because of Coronavirus. Newchurch Male Voice Choir have suspended activities 'until further notice'. Those behind the scenes say many of its members 'fall into the vulnerable persons category.' Bob Cooper stated: "It is with regret that the Choir have taken this decision, but with the age groups and health situation of members , it was the safest action to take. "It is slightly ironic that our activity of singing actually helps to keep us fit." It means the group's Binstead Methodist Church concert, on Saturday March 28, is off. Jack Up The Summer In keeping with other festivals, Team Jack Up says this year's event is 'very much going ahead as planned, as things stand.' Organisers say they are monitoring official guidance from the World Health Organisation and working closely with all of the relevant agencies. [caption id="attachment_1292710" align="aligncenter" width="623"] Jack Up The Summer. (C) Jo Monck.[/caption] However, they are confident they will not be affected due to the 'small-medium' nature of the event, as opposed to a large gathering. Isle Access Isle Access' accessible activities and services day has been postponed. It was due to take place today (Saturday). UPDATED - Monday March 16 Alzheimer Cafes The IW Alzheimer Cafes have said: "It is with heavy hearts that we have made the decision to close all Alzheimer Cafes until the end of April in the first instance, we shall follow guidance from Public Health going forward. We want to make sure that we play our part in keeping our Café Communities safe, and will reopen as soon as is possible. [caption id="attachment_1238411" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Volunteers from the Isle of Wight's Alzheimer Cafe[/caption] "We will be issuing updates as and when we can.  Please also check Facebook and our Website www.alzheimercafeiow.org.uk for updates and further information. "This means that the Totland Alzheimer Café, due to take place on Wednesday, will not go ahead, or the following Alzheimer Cafés next week:  ACE7, The Bay, Newport and East Cowes, ALL ALZHEIMER CAFES WILL BE CLOSED IN APRIL." Isle of Wight Council meeting

The Chairman of the Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Health and Social Care, Cllr John Nicholson, in consultation with all relevant health and social care partners, has decided to cancel the meeting due to be held today, Monday 16 March 2020 at 5pm.

This is due to pressures placed upon services arising from the need to deal with the implications of the Coronavirus.

Bembridge Little Theatre club has postponed its production of FULL CIRCLE from 2nd 3rd and 4th of April to 12th 13th and 14th of November.

Tickets bought will be refunded or carried over to the autumn production.