Motability cancels entire 2020 event programme as the events sector faces tough choices
As social distancing looks set to become the new norm for the foreseeable months ahead, Motability has confirmed the cancellation of all One Big Day shows in 2020, including The Big Event.
Originally, Motability had taken the decision to cancel its One Big Day events in Northern Ireland and Exeter, as well as postpone The Big Event – the largest showcase of cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, scooters and powered wheelchairs in the UK.
Now, following the latest government guidelines surrounding COVID-19 and the extended lockdown measures, the mobility lease scheme operator has gone a step further by cancelling all remaining events for 2020.
One Big Day events in Harrogate (15 August 2020), Peterborough (5 September 2020), and Edinburgh (19 September 2020) will no longer take place, as well as The Big Event (3 & 4 July 2020).
A statement released by Motability read: “The safety of all our event visitors, exhibitors, partners and our employees is our number one priority. With some degree of social distancing potentially remaining with us for the next few months, we believe cancelling the events for 2020 is the right thing to do.
“We apologise for any disappointment this may cause and we hope to be back with a full programme of events in 2021.”
Many shows, exhibitions and conferences set to take place in spring and summer have been postponed by organisers until later in the year following unprecedented coronavirus pandemic disruption.
A recent exit strategy outline from Scotland’s First Minister suggests, however, that a phased easement of restrictions could see some areas, such as events with large gatherings, being the last to be approved to return to normal.
The move to cancel rather than postpone by Motability may be indicative of a wider general trend that the events sector could see this year, with event organisers facing the possibility of continued disruption for many months ahead.
