Investigation reveals why Wiltshire carnival was cancelled suddenly

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 8 Nov, 06:01 · Archive

An independent investigation found that Calne Summer Carnival was cancelled due to genuine concerns about securing enough qualified security personnel.

Calneval, the Calne Summer Carnival, was due to be held on Saturday, June 27, but was cancelled at short notice following a shock announcement by Calne Town Council. Residents were informed that organisers had been unable to secure the minimum number of marshals required to safely deliver the event.

An independent investigation was subsequently undertaken and its findings have now been published by the council. The investigation found that the decision to cancel was made due to genuine concerns regarding public safety. The main issue that forced the decision was uncertainty about whether enough qualified security personnel would be available on the night. The council was unable to obtain timely assurance that sufficient accredited personnel could be present.

Beyond the security staffing problem, the investigation identified wider operational challenges. These included increased event security requirements, reduced volunteer availability and severe weather conditions immediately before the event.

According to the report, the security provider later said that staff withdrawals emerged on June 25 due to extreme heat. The security provider accepted that the council could have been informed earlier of the developing staffing difficulties.

The report noted that the last-minute cancellation had a significant impact on residents, volunteers, community groups, schools, charities, traders, local businesses and councillors. The investigation established a number of contributory causes for the cancellation.

How it is being reported

• Investigation reveals reason Wiltshire carnival was cancelled last minuteThe decision to scrap a popular carnival in Wiltshire at the last minute was made due to "genuine concerns regarding public safety", an investigation has found.Gazette & Herald · 8 Nov, 05:00
• Investigation reveals reason Wiltshire carnival was cancelled last minuteThe decision to scrap a popular carnival in Wiltshire at the last minute was made due to "genuine concerns regarding public safety", an investigation has found.Swindon Advertiser · 8 Nov, 05:00
• Investigation reveals reason Wiltshire carnival was cancelled last minuteThe decision to scrap a popular carnival in Wiltshire at the last minute was made due to "genuine concerns regarding public safety", an investigation has found.Wiltshire Times · 8 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Calne Town Council · Calne · Wiltshire

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