Timaru's Caroline Bay Carnival cancelled for first time in 111 years

Organisers of the Caroline Bay Carnival say they've made the hard decision to cancel this year's event, the first time it's done so in 111 years.

The carnival was set to be held between 26 December and 10 January.

The decision was announced at a volunteer meeting last night.

"The Govt guidelines at the time of making our decision meant there was no way we could run our carnival," organisers said on Facebook.

"We feel the well being of volunteers and the community and any exposure of Covid 19 into the district would jeopardize the carnival and as hard as the decision was to make, we believe it was the right one."

This year's carnival was to include entertainment like a Eagles tribute show and Elton John tribute show, talent quests and a New Year's Eve fireworks show.