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Christmas events across the country have been cancelled because of Covid despite pandemic rules no longer being in place.
Dozens of areas have seen festive markets, Dickensian fairs, Christmas light switch-on celebrations, carol concerts and Santa's grottos scrapped by 'over-cautious' officials.
Daily Mail research has found at least 30 localities where events have been mothballed, but the true number is likely to be much higher.
In some areas, decisions were made months ago not to run any events because of 'Covid 19 uncertainties' even though many are outdoors.
Organisers elsewhere have got cold feet just weeks before planned celebrations.
This is despite workplaces, pubs, café, restaurants and shops all running as normal.
Last night the cancellations were criticised by parent group UsForThem.
Paultons Park in Hampshire has closed its Santa's grotto (pictured), in favour of an appearance in a covered outside area to give children access to Santa 'in a comfortable fresh air setting'
The Grassington Dickensian Festival in North Yorkshire (pictured in 2019) has been ditched in favour of two 'safer and more prudent' markets for locals
