The Coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak and the need for social distancing is causing events across South Leeds, large and small, to be cancelled.
Middleton Railway has announced that the opening of their Diamond Jubilee season has been postponed. In a statement, the trust said:
“Following the latest government recommendations we have taken the decision to defer opening the Middleton Railway until further notice. We regret to have to do this in our Diamond Jubilee year but our first priority is the health and wellbeing of all our visitors and volunteers. We hope you understand why we have taken this unprecedented step.”
Small groups of volunteers will be on site from time to time to maintain the infrastructure and deal with administrative issues, but the railway will not be open to the public. Watch middletonrailway.org.uk for updates.
The annual Beeston Festival, which was due to take place on 27 June 2020 in Cross Flatts Park, has been cancelled. Mark Day, Secretary of the organising committee comented:
“Unfortunately, due to the current situation with COVID-19 Beeston Festival 2020 has been cancelled. We will be back next year on 26 June 2021 for another great festival. Stallholders who have already booked will be contacted shortly to issue refunds.”
Hunslet Gala, also due to take place on 27 June, has been cancelled. Next year’s Gala will be on Saturday 12 June 2021.
The Friends of Middleton Park have cancelled events in their summer programme up to the end of May initially. Their popular Bluebell walks will not take place as group events, but they plan to publish guides so that people can follow the trails themselves and enjoy the beauty of the woods.
Leeds Urban Bike Park remains open. The cafe is serving take away only from an outdoor stall and riders are asked to ride within their limits to reduce the risk of accidents and putting unnecessary pressure on NHS services.
Skelton Grange Environment Centre has closed as have Thwaite Watermills, also in Stourton and Leeds Discovery Centre in Hunslet along with all Leeds City Council museums and galleries.
Updated 23 March 2020
