Organisers of Egremont Crab Fair have been backed by community leaders for making the “difficult decision” to cancel this year’s event following the death of the Queen.

The hugely popular fair which has been held in the town for hundreds of years would have been taking place this weekend but the country is still observing the mourning period of Queen Elizabeth II.

Many have expressed their disappointment over the highly anticipated event being called off again, with the last Crab Fair being held in 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But councillors say the decision will not have been taken lightly by the event organisers and are asking members of the public to be understanding.

Copeland councillor Sam Pollen, who is a Crab Fair committee member, said: “I’ve been involved with Crab Fair for a long time. I wasn’t involved with the decision-making process but I think the committee who do all the hard work, year in, year out, and raise funds, to have a fantastic event, were put in a very difficult situation at a difficult time.

“They made a decision so I hope that everyone will accept that they were in a difficult position. Although people will be disappointed, I hope they will understand.

“Lots of other organisations have cancelled and postponed events. I’ve got every sympathy with them and I always support the Crab Fair.

“There’s an opportunity for other people to step up and support the Crab Fair committee and make sure it comes back bigger and better next year. They are always looking for volunteers and people to help so I hope people can be positive about it.”

Elaine Woodburn, chair of Egremont Town Council, said: “Nobody could have predicted what’s happened. It has been a difficult decision they’ve had to take. I’m sure half the people will agree with them and half won’t. It’s a thankless decision they’ve had to take but I understand it.

“We’ve had events where we’ve had to cancel them and when you spend 12 months of your life arranging these things, you forget it’s probably equally as upsetting for those organisers as it is for those looking forward to attending.

“We wish them well and look forward to 2023.”

Egremont town councillor Neil Ferguson said: “Obviously it’s a tough decision for the Crab Fair committee. With the Queen’s passing and attendees in mourning, they obviously felt they needed to.

“A tough decision. I wouldn’t like to be in their shoes making the decision. It’s not easy. I can understand there are a lot of people frustrated but the committee think they are doing the best thing.

“It’s a pity through Covid they couldn’t have it on. Last year everyone was still worried there would be outbreaks. It’s unfortunate. The committee put a lot of effort into it. They wouldn’t have taken the decision lightly.”

The announcement from the Egremont Crab Fair committee said: “The Egremont Crab Fair Committee is saddened by the very sad news of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

“The Queen represented everything that the Egremont Crab Fair stands for. A desire to actively serve and promote the local community, to champion rural and ancient traditions and to instill “community spirit and togetherness.

“The Egremont Crab Fair Committee have made the very sad decision to cancel this year’s event: inclusive of all events leading up to the Crab Fair weekend and the weekend itself. This was a difficult to decision to make; but we feel that as the country mourns - we must do so also.”

READ MORE: Special memories shared from The Queen's 2008 visit to Whitehaven