Santa still booked but Leighton Buzzard fireworks off, as Rotary reveals Peace Marathon proceeds

This has enabled a donation of £1,250 to be made to SSAFA (the Armed Forces charity, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) and a further £100 each to 12 other local charities who worked with Rotary to make the event the undoubted success that it was.

Unfortunately, at the same time as making these donations, Rotary has reached the decision that they will be unable to safely run the annual fireworks display at Brooklands School in 2020 as it is extremely unlikely that significant gatherings of this nature will be allowed by the beginning of November.

Rotary will now concentrate its efforts on ensuring that Santa receives a warm welcome in the Leighton-Linslade area and having had initial conversations with Santa and his elves the signs are really positive as Santa is determined to bring as much joy and happiness as he can in what he knows are difficult times.

Rotary Club president Simon Marshall said: “When we set out to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day and the end of World War 2 we hoped that we would also be able to raise funds for a number of local charities who work tirelessly in our community, so we are delighted to be able to distribute such a significant amount during these challenging times.

“We are undoubtedly navigating a very difficult period in relation to the coronavirus so it was with some sadness that we also took the decision to cancel the annual fireworks display and concentrate all our efforts into doing everything we can to ensure that Santa brings happiness and joy to the area as we approach Christmas.

“As always we are hugely grateful to the people of Leighton-Linslade for their support and we wish to reassure the community that we are committed to making Santa’s visit in 2020 the best it can be."