Covid second wave cancels bonfire and Christmas events in Doncaster

With the town now in Tier 2 Covid-19 restrictions and a ban on social gatherings both indoors and outdoors, events over the next few months are being pulled – with dozens more expected to follow in the coming weeks.

Among those axed are the annual Santa Dash at Sandall Park, Sprotbrough Cricket Club’s traditional bonfire night celebrations and Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s Run For Wildlife Event.

A spokesman for Sandall Park said: “Unfortunately due to the current Covid situation, the Doncaster Santa Dash for this year cannot go ahead.

"Full details of how you can transfer your entry, do a virtual run and all other details can be found on Curly's Athletes page https://curlysathletes.co.uk/.

“Lots of things have had to be put on hold, but next year when everything is back up and 'running' things will be even better!

“As always, we thank you for your support and hope to see you at events in the park in 2021.”

Meanwhile, Sprotbrough Cricket Club has pulled its bonfire.

A Facebook post said: “Unfortunately, due to the everlasting nightmare that is 2020, we've made the decision to cancel this year's Bonfire Night. Its not a decision we take lightly as this is a massive fundraiser for the club, and a community event that is looked forward to all around South Yorkshire, but given the whole pandemic, its a step we've had to take. Sorry for any disappointment caused, but hopefully we'll be back with a bang next year.”

And Yorkshire Wildlife Park's annual Run for Wildlife will be a virtual event to raise funds for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park Foundation.

Runners are invited to complete the 5km distance ‘anytime, anywhere’ from now until October 19.

“We have successfully delivered safe events under Covid-19 guidance but felt that changes would alter the feel of this race, mainly that runners would not be able to stop to look at the animals,” said Jon Frary for the Doncaster-based community events group Curlys Athletes.

This year’s theme is otters to highlight the Foundation’s work to protect Giant Otters that are threatened with deforestation, commercial fisheries and industrialisation of their native areas.

Each runner will receive a spring otter medal if they log their results by midnight on October 19.

Cheryl Williams, Foundation trustee, added: “It is a shame that we can’t run the race this year, but we are delighted that Curly’s are organising a virtual event and that people are signing up to do their own 5kms and raise funds to support our work.

"It is really important this year as the Foundation has had its fundraising efforts and events hit very hard and the projects and animals, we support are desperate for funding. Thank you to everyone who is taking part.

Next year’s Run for Wildlife event has been scheduled for April 25, 2021.