Stevens Fun Fair will not come to Watford this year unless it can open in Cassiobury Park after organisers deemed other sites unsuitable.

The popular event is also unlikely to return in future years if it cannot open in its usual spot, the Watford Observer understands.

Organisers have been told their annual site for 70 years is unavailable this spring and going forwards they can only be there every other year.

But they have now said limited access at Woodside Playing Fields and King George V Playing Fields, both offered as alternatives, would ruin such a big event.

Watford Observer:

In an email seen by the Watford Observer, they told the borough council: “A huge part of the great success of our event in Cassiobury is because of the park itself. 

“Families come for a complete day out, not only to enjoy what we provide, but also to picnic and enjoy the park’s leisure facilities which compliment each other.

“Many families will be hugely disappointed this year.”   

Organisers also claimed booking for 2023 was not proving straightforward, with officers reportedly saying councillors would confirm the event calendar towards the end of the year.

But Alan Gough, head of community and environmental services, said: “We look at all the requests we get in for Cassiobury Park hire in early autumn and then let people know in good time so they can plan for the following year. 

“Given this, we are, in principle, looking forward to seeing Stevens Fun Fair in the park next May and to confirming this with them”.

Watford Borough Council previously said it wants to give other businesses an opportunity to use Cassiobury – and this year the fair clashes with council-organised centenary celebrations.

The latest development will likely irritate some readers who lashed out when annual Cassiobury fairs were confirmed to be scrapped earlier this year.

A Watford Observer poll of over 700 people saw 78 per cent say it should continue annually at the park.

Last week councillor Tim Williams gave funfair fans some hope by saying the decision can be “reviewed” and “nothing had been ruled out”.

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