Coronavirus: Thursford Christmas Spectacular cancelled

Thousands of visitors flock annually to Thursford, near Fakenham, to watch the Christmas Spectacular

An annual Christmas show that has run for 40 years has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular in Norfolk said it was "heartbreaking" and blamed "continued uncertainty" around reopening theatres.

Some 100,000 tickets were sold for 2020 with about 50 coaches due to arrive each day to see the dance, music and variety acts, organisers said.

A festival of light trail will be held instead.

One of the show's freelance choreographers said she she had lost her "largest job of the year"

This year's show was due to open in November and run for seven weeks, usually with twice-daily performances

The first Spectacular was held on Christmas Eve 1977 at the site, which is primarily a steam and organ museum, and organisers estimated that six million people had seen the it over the years.

John Cushing, founder, producer and director of the show, said the decision to postpone was "heartbreaking".

"We hope visitors from far and wide will come and walk the wonderful trail with us and in doing so, continue to support the local community, hotels, B&Bs, rental properties and hospitality venues throughout Norfolk," he said.

Refunds were being offered with the opportunity to use tickets for next year's performances instead.

The venue houses steam engines for the rest of the year and it is turned into a 1,400-seat auditorium for the show

Mel Cook of Visit Norwich said the postponement was "devastating news to all involved" including coach companies, but added that with the majority of the show's audience being older, she understood the need to protect this vulnerable group.

The show employs about 360 dancers, singers, musicians, variety acts, technicians, wardrobe teams, ushers, caterers and production staff each year - including 30 backroom staff on a full-time basis. Thirty will be employed to help with the light trail.

On social media one of the show's choreographer's said she would lose "90% of my income".

Jason Loates, who runs the Wensum Lodge Hotel in nearby Fakenham, said he had already received calls requesting cancellations.

He said he had anticipated there would be a postponement, and hoped people would take up spare rooms for the light show.

"Many have re-booked for next year instead and, given the risk to the mostly older people attending, I can see why they had to cancel," he said.

Mr Loates said he normally made about £9,000 per week during the Spectacular's run.

A variety of acts are part of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular

The show has been televised by the BBC three times in its history.