Charity festival cancelled following riots

The popular annual event raises funds to support the 8,000 autistic children and adults helped by Daisy Chain

An autism charity has cancelled a fundraising festival following riots across the country.

The chief executive of Stockton's Daisy Chain said the absence of the yearly Daisy Fest would be a "profound loss" for the charity and the thousands who attended.

Neeraj Sharma said the timing of the festival came too soon in the wake of violent disorder, with its postponement decided amid concerns over risk management.

He said the community needed time to "heal and strengthen", adding: "By postponing, we are allowing the healing process to continue, so that we can return stronger and more united next year."

Daisy Fest has been running for 20 years and is "vital" in raising funds for the charity, which delivers a range of projects supporting autistic people and their families, organisers say.

The event, which was expected to take place at the end of August, attracts thousands of people to Norton's Calf Fallow Farm for a day of family-friendly entertainment.

'Heavy heart'

Unrest around the country came in the wake of the fatal knife attack in Southport, which left three girls dead. Disorder spread in the aftermath of the stabbings, fuelled by misinformation relating to anti-immigration sentiments on social media.

Mr Sharma said the cancellation was decided "with a heavy heart" and that while the community was responding positively in light of the recent riots, the charity's team felt it was too early for a festival of its scale to go ahead.

In a post to online followers, he added: "While we share your disappointment, we hold onto hope for brighter days ahead.

"We encourage families to enjoy the summer and remind those with neurodivergent children that our family support team is always here for you.

"You are not alone, together, we will overcome these challenges."