A MASSIVELY popular Christmas event which attracts thousands of residents and visitors to the walled town of Conwy has been cancelled.

The Christmas Eve event, organised by Conwy Town Council, usually features carol singing, live stage performances, and culminates in Santa appearing on the Castle battlements as well as a spectacular firework display.

The event is complemented by carol singing events in Deganwy and Llandudno Junction as well as a boxing day dip in Deganwy, but sadly Covid-19 has put a stop to the 2020 event with the council saying 'it is impossible to host it safely'.

Cllr Emma Leighton-Jones, mayor, said: "After much consideration we have decided that we cannot run our usual Christmas Events in Deganwy and Llandudno Junction, Christmas Eve in Conwy or Deganwy Boxing Day Dip. Such a decision wasn't made lightly but the health of our community is paramount and at the forefront of this decision.

"We know that the cancellation of these events will be a disappointment, however in these unprecedented times it can be our only choice."

Activities will be replaced by something new. The town council will be revealing an alternative idea soon.

"We are determined to spread a little festive cheer in these challenging circumstances and are working towards something special that we can't wait to announce in the coming weeks." cllr Leighton-Jones added.

"And of course, we look forward to bringing our regular events back, bigger and better than ever, when it is safe to do so.

"We would also like to thank the fabulous volunteers who normally give their time on Christmas Eve to support our event."

David Phillips, safety adviser to Conwy Town Council, said: "After many years Conwy Town Council Christmas celebrations have grown into a very special family orientated event. However, this year is very different, whatever risk management process we use try to mitigate against Coronavirus sadly there is no way round it.

"Our Christmas events have to be radically different and socially distanced to keep us all safe and healthy for the coming year."

Seeing Santa of the battlements on Christmas eve has become a fixture for many families.

Cllr Shari Barber-Bailey, vice-chair of the Christmas committee, whose own children look forward to the event, said: "My girls will be disappointed as they love seeing Santa on the castle but we couldn't make it safe this year, and safety has to be our top priority."

"I think that our alternative this year will be popular with children though."

Christmas lights have received a refresh for 2020, with new designs, and extra tree lights for the flyover roundabout in Llandudno Junction, while Gyffyn now has a permanent power supply for its Christmas tree, which was introduced for Christmas 2019.