Page 5 | To think Hyde Park winter wonderland should not be cancelled?

JKRowlingIsMyQueen · 2020-09-03T16:09:12+00:00

It has just been announced it's cancelled due to corona. [[https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/breaking-hyde-park-winter-wonderland-22616729]] At a time where deaths, hospital admissions and positive tests are really low, should we not trying to go move life forward instead of cancelling events? I know what people are gonna say, "you can't social distance at winter wonderland", but pubs are open and how many people are social distancing there?

ResIpsaLoquiturInterAlia · 04/09/2020 11:15

We are big fans of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. We live within walking distance in central London. Over the decade or so we have seen it grow with each year with more attractions and forever expanding in size and complexity of offer. However we also recognise that the visitor numbers have grown exponentially over the years too. I recall last few years being absolutely jammed packed and so naturally not Covid secure and great for all virus community transmission. We however love the attraction as it is possibly the best Christmas festival market and theme park outside of Christmas markets in continental Europe and Scandinavia etc and of course it's just on our doorstep! Sad to see it cancelled but yes safety first and so makes sense. Winter Wonderland pricing could be somewhat more palatable too as should you visit a few times with highly exited children it's can be more economical to fly to Copenhagen or Switzerland for Christmas festivities.

Namechangr9000 · 04/09/2020 11:27

I wont miss it personally as its beyond my budget for a day out. I did go once years ago, when DC were very young and appeased by 1 or 2 rides and a free santa visit and it actually wasnt very busy. But I know it has got busier and more popular since then.

Like pp have said there are a lot of upfront costs that organisers and stall holders will have to pay for now, and wont be able to reclaim regardless of a) whether it goes ahead or b) how many people turn up. Stall holders would have to order stock in advance, (some of it perishable) with no way of knowing if they would sell it.
A local running race cancelled their October race in about April, and lots of people huffed and puffed about why they were cancelling so early, it was too soon to know etc but they explained all the costs they had to pay (fairly imminently to april) to put the race on, even if they couldnt be sure it would go ahead. Sure enough it seems it was the right decision as very few mass events are permitted to take place still.

rbmilliner · 05/09/2020 07:11

Yabu and my vote has nothing to do with Corona virus - every cloud and all that.

Binkybix · 05/09/2020 07:52

I live quite close and love it the first year, went back a few years later and hated it. Can’t imagine how busy it must be these days. Meh. I can live without it.

Gizlotsmum · 05/09/2020 08:02

The thing is they won't have cancelled it because of Covid they will have cancelled it because the restrictions in place (social distancing, limited numbers, enhanced cleaning) will make it non profitable...

cologne4711 · 05/09/2020 08:18

Actually they've probably just cancelled it because the Royal Parks have cancelled all events until March at the earliest. They've obviously made an exception for the elite London marathon.

Alabamawhirly1 · 05/09/2020 08:21

I don't know why people can't be trusted to make their own minds up. If you don't want to go to a winter wonderland don't. But why shut it for those of us that arnt at risk of the virus and do want to go. And what about the income all those traders and ride owners are gonna miss out on.

Soubriquet · 05/09/2020 08:23

I don't know why people can't be trusted to make their own minds up.

People are idiots. That’s why

Sirzy · 05/09/2020 08:26

@Alabamawhirly1

I don't know why people can't be trusted to make their own minds up. If you don't want to go to a winter wonderland don't. But why shut it for those of us that arnt at risk of the virus and do want to go. And what about the income all those traders and ride owners are gonna miss out on.

Because many of the “but I’m not at risk” people will be the same ones who become asymptomatic carriers and pass it onto those who are at risk. Especially if they are the type who think it fine to carry on as normal because they are “safe”

As for the traders, up it’s shit, but realistically for them to have reduced the numbers anywhere near enough the traders would have been lucky to cover their costs anyway

Alabamawhirly1 · 05/09/2020 08:35

Because many of the “but I’m not at risk” people will be the same ones who become asymptomatic carriers and pass it onto those who are at risk. Especially if they are the type who think it fine to carry on as normal because they are “safe”

So that's it, no more life for anyone. I'm sorry but people need to take responsibility for their own health. An asymptomatic carrier is not going to pass covid on without close contact. So if you're vulnerable keep your distance from people. Stop telling the rest of the population to stop living life.

AuntieStella · 05/09/2020 08:37

So if you're vulnerable keep your distance from people. Stop telling the rest of the population to stop living

This is wrong.

Everyone needs to keep the proper distance from strangers.

Then no-one needs be shut out.

OpenlyGayExOlympicFencer · 05/09/2020 08:41

I notice you're not engaging with any of the points about finances and insurance OP.

ItsAlwaysSunnyOnMN · 05/09/2020 08:46

Phew...I can cancel my application to remortgage my house

yes you can

Really it’s not Christmas that is being cancelled just a very very overpriced event that ends up being ridiculously crowded and full of drunks from the office Christmas party

It was nice the first year or two

Alabamawhirly1 · 05/09/2020 08:46

Everyone needs to keep the proper distance from strangers. Then no-one needs be shut out.

I completly disagree with this. Yes we don't need to be getting up close a personal with people in shops and ques. But public transport can't run efficiently if we can't sit next to people. Children will naturally interact with others at parks and play centres. People will want to make romantic connections with others. People socialise with strangers in social settings like pubs.

We are social creatures. The vast majority of the population are not at risk from this virus - these measures are going to damage people mentally and limit quality of life. It's time we all started living again and people took responsibility for their own health, instead of expecting others to do it for them.

Shutting winter wonderland is just another example of the majority having to make sacrifices for the few. Not just in regards to people having fun but the economy and jobs too. Think how much money was brought into and spent in London from winter wonderland visitors. Then take into account all the other smaller winter wonderland that likley won't open too.

toconclude · 05/09/2020 08:46

Last time I went it was unbelievably naff anyway. No loss.

Pobblebonk · 05/09/2020 08:49

For most people it's about as killer as the flu and we don't cancel events because of the flu. Get a grip

65000 excess deaths in the UK alone so far suggests otherwise. To say nothing of the thousands of people with long term health problems as a direct result of the virus. I think it's you who needs to get a grip, OP. You'll cope without Winter Wonderland.

Namechangr9000 · 05/09/2020 09:15

I'd happily live without concerts, festivals, winter wonderland etc (I do anyway as dont have the budget to go to places like that often) and most people could probably cope without it for a year. However it's so much worse for the stall holders and ride operators etc. They probably missed a summer season of fairs, fetes, festivals, events etc.