The hugley popular Christmas Market and Reindeer Parade won’t be returning to Usk this year, after the town council decided that the risk of overcrowding during the pandemic was still too great.

The annual festive event, which attracts thousands to the town, normally goes ahead in early December, but was shelved last year because of lockdown.

And this year after reviewing the logistics of the volunteer-run event, councillors have regrettably taken the decision to wait until 2022 before Santa’s triumphant return.

The market also won’t be happening, as it requires large scale funding and no insurance is available in the event of further Covid restrictions.

An Usk Town Council spokesperson said: “The Christmas Market and Reindeer Parade Event is run solely by volunteers and is subsidised by the town council.

“The event does not make a profit, however it is a boost to the local economy by encouraging visitors into the town, not only for the benefit of the stallholders but also existing shopkeepers, restaurants and pubs.

“The Reindeer Parade in past years has always been enjoyed by families from all surrounding areas, judging by the thousands of visitors it attracts to the town.

“But Usk, with its narrow roads and pavements and the overcrowding that Santa and his Reindeer attract was felt to be unsafe and deemed unsuitable for such a large event while the pandemic is among us.

“We did consider running the Christmas Market without the Reindeer Parade; however, an initial investment is required before putting on this event and no cancellation insurance is available against any restrictions on events that may come from Welsh Government.

“This initial investment could potentially be lost if the event were to be cancelled, along with countless lost hours put in by the unpaid volunteers in the preparation for the event.”

The spokesperson said that experts “predict a large increase in Covid cases” during the winter and “there are no guarantees” regarding the need to impose further restrictions.

“Speculating public money without being able to get any insurance on something that could be cancelled at the last minute cannot be justified by Usk Town Council,” they said.

“Like many events that happen in Usk, the market and parade rely on the good nature of so many willing volunteers to organise and run the event.

“The council will welcome ideas from local businesses who may wish to put on their own individual events in December for the benefit of our community.

“While it is disappointing not to have our market and parade this year, we are looking for other options that will cater for the people and businesses of Usk.

“If anyone wishes to come forward and invest in the December event Usk Town Council will fully support them with advice and assistance but not with public money.

“If you do have ideas and would like to volunteer your time, please send an email to [email protected].”