Chelmsford festivals on hold for the Olympics

THOUSANDS of people will miss out this summer as two popular Chelmsford festivals have been cancelled.

Both the 3foot People Festival and the Fling Festival have been put on hold as Olympic celebrations are set to take over their coveted spots in July

child's play: Alison Yates, 4, and Jessica Clark, 4, at last year's 3foot People Festival
give us a smile: A performer at the Fling last year

"The 3foot People festival and the Fling festival will be taking a well-deserved year-off in 2012," said council spokesperson Laura Ketley.

"These popular events, unique to Chelmsford, will return, bigger and better than ever in 2013 and will be well worth the wait."

The 3foot People Festival attracted 2,500 parents and babies over three days last year, at the only event of its kind in the country.

And the Fling attracted more than 3,000 people last year in just one day.

Organisers blamed a combination of timing and funding for the cancellations. But all the resources that would have gone into the festivals will be put into a free event to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic torch in Chelmsford.

Chelmsford Borough Council expect this Olympic torch celebration, at Hylands Park on July 6, to attract around 15,000 people.

Chelmsford is one of just 66 towns in the UK and the only one in Essex to hold Olympic Torch Relay celebrations as the flame is carried through on July 7.

Phillip Donovan, from Great Baddow, who normally runs a bouncy castle at Chelmsford festivals, is already anticipating their return in 2013.

Phillip said: "The 3foot People Festival is the biggest event of its kind and something that Chelmsford should be proud of."

Springfield Parish Council events coordinator John Puczkowski said: "Although it is shame The 3foot People Festival has to be cancelled parents and babies do not need to worry, because the 0 to 5 festival at the parish will be taking place in the summer."

The Olympic event, Sparks Will Fly: Essex Finale, will take place on July 6 at Hylands Park. Details and free tickets for the event will be available from February 29 at www.sparkswillfly.org.uk.

On July 7 at 7am, the Olympic Torch will make a tour through Chelmsford Town Centre.