Beverley Christmas Festival Cancels Reindeer Parade Due to Bluetongue Restrictions

The annual East Yorkshire event adjusts plans after government-imposed animal movement restrictions to prevent the spread of the livestock disease.

The Beverley Festival of Christmas in East Yorkshire has canceled its planned reindeer parade due to bluetongue disease restrictions.
Bluetongue, a viral disease affecting livestock such as cattle, sheep, and deer, is transmitted by midges and does not pose a threat to humans or food safety.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) established restriction zones across several counties, including East Yorkshire, to limit the spread of the disease.
Councillor Nick Coultish emphasized the importance of animal welfare and confirmed the reindeer could not travel into the restricted area.
The festival will proceed with over 125 stalls, Santa appearances, and a live ice carving sculpture added to replace the reindeer parade.