International Antiques Fair and Normous Newark Autojumble cancelled at Newark Showground over coronavirus fears

A number of events due to be held at Newark Showground have been cancelled because of ongoing concerns over coronavirus.

The Newark International Antiques and Collectors Fair organised for this Friday (August 14) has been cancelled along with the Normous Newark Autojumble due to take place on Sunday (August 16).

It follows a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in the Newark area.

The antiques fair for traders, scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday August 13) will go ahead as planned, but will not be open to the public.

Jonathan Gribbin, public health director for Nottinghamshire, said: "Following discussions between Public Health officials, Newark Showground and Newark and Sherwood District Council representatives, the decision has been made to cancel forthcoming events at the showground.

"The welfare of local people is a top priority and I am grateful to the event organisers for cooperating fully with this decision which is the right thing to do for the residents of Newark and the wider community.

"Tackling coronavirus is a county-wide effort and everyone needs to play their part by strictly adhering to the government advice on social distancing, hand washing, the wearing of face masks and the test and trace scheme."