THE Andover Carnival will not be going ahead this year due to uncertainties surrounding coronavirus restrictions, organisers have revealed.

Posting in a community Facebook group, the organising team wrote: "It is once again with a heavy heart that we have to announce that we will be unable to hold an event as hoped on July 18th.

"Unfortunately there are still just too many question marks leaving us with very little time to organise a safe and entertaining day."

At this point, the team are unable to confirm whether a version of the event will happen later this year, but added: "We invite you to add next years, all singing and all dancing, Carnival which will be on Sunday 17th July 2022.

"Thank you, and we hope to see you soon."

The Andover Carnival is an annual event run entirely by volunteers which sees floats from groups across the town parade through the area, beginning at Vigo park where attendees can enjoy a variety of stalls, from food, craft and trade, and a range of funfair rides.

It was last held in 2019 and was the biggest event yet, with more than 400 people taking part.

Organisers announced in February that the floats procession would not be possible this year, but had hoped to continue with the carnival event.

The event is organised by the carnival committee, made up of volunteers, with many more local businesses and groups helping out to make the event a success.

Profits raised go towards local charities, with the charities already selected for the postponed 2020 and 2021 carnivals being Andover Twenty1, which supports children with Down's Syndrome and their schools, as well as Needs Too, which offers practical advice and support for parents and carers of children and young adults with complex learning difficulties and disabilities.

Commenting on the news, residents expressed their upset and understanding, with one writing: "Sad news" and another adding "Sensible".