Published: Wednesday, 6th January 2021
There will be no Mart in King's Lynn this year as it is not allowed to take place under the current Covid-19 regulations set out by Government on 4 January 2021.
Under the National Lockdown: Stay at Home guidance, circuses, fairgrounds and funfairs are stated as businesses that must close.
Charles Barwick, Chairman of the Norwich and Eastern Counties Section of the Showmen's Guild, said: "This is a terrible blow for all our operators, not only because of the impact on their livelihood, but also because the Mart represents the start of our season before operators head off to different parts of the country. It has always been a significant and colourful occasion, supported by the local community, with the great and good going on the rides for the opening, and then our children's days, and special day for children with additional needs.
"We are gutted that we won't be their to provide some colour and entertainment to the people of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, but hopefully, when things return to some sort of normality, we will return next year."
Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Health, said: "For over 800 years the Mart has been a key event in the west Norfolk calendar, something that many residents look forward to each year. It is part of the tradition of King's Lynn, which marks the end of winter and the move into spring. It brings with it a riot of colours and sounds, and brings the Tuesday Market Place to life. I am saddened that it cannot take place this year, and I know it will be missed by many. I do however thank the showmen for taking the health and well being of their operators and the people of west Norfolk into consideration. It is the right thing to do during this lockdown to ensure that everyone does their bit to protect themselves, protect others and protect west Norfolk.
"We look forward to discussing with them, their plans for next year's Mart and hope to be able to welcome them back to the Tuesday Market Place in February 2022."