A POPULAR event has been cancelled for the third year in a row, as the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic is still being felt.

Then annual Braintree and Bocking Carnival has been axed for 2022, making it the third consecutive year it has not gone ahead as planned.

The previous two events in 2020 and 2021 were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now, the carnival for 2022 has also been cancelled, with organisers saying it is due to “continuing uncertainty throughout 2021.”

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In a post on Facebook, carnival organisers said: “It is with great regret that we confirm that we will not be able to hold a 2022 Braintree and Bocking Carnival.

“Due to the continuing uncertainty throughout 2021, we have been unable to maintain the infrastructure required to organise and run the event.

“We were unable to justify the required financial outlay when there was no certainty of being able to hold the event as happened last year.

“The current state of Braintree town centre has also led to some uncertainty of being able to proceed with the procession running through Market Square and along the High Street.

“We appreciate that this will come as a big disappointment to many people. The Carnival is a big part of the local calendar, and many people look forward to taking part every year.

“We are equally disappointed but think it is best to announce this now before people start preparing for the event.

“We will provide further updates throughout the year and hope the world finds itself in a much better place in 2023.”