Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
28
Jun 2021
Harrogate exhibitor says no to mask-free event at convention centre
A Harrogate business owner has decided not to exhibit at the first major event at the town's convention centre for over a year because of health concerns.
Alex Vere, who co-founded a business selling gifts, has exhibited regularly at the Home and Gift Buyer's Festival in previous years.
But she won't be at next month's event, from July 18 to 21, because it is part of the government events research programme, which assesses the impact of holding large events without social distance measures.
This means thousands of people from across the country will be at Harrogate Convention Centre for four days with no cap on capacity, social distancing or mask wearing.
Ms Vere has two children with medical conditions and does not want to risk passing on any infections.
She said she has been cautious for 18 months to protect her children's health and attending the event would just be "too much" for her at this stage, particularly as infection levels are soaring.
However, she added she accepted the need to stage such events.
She said:
The event organisers have agreed to roll over her £5,500 exhibitor's fee to next year.
Ms Vere hopes to exhibit again next year. She added:
Read more:
- First events at Harrogate Convention Centre to be government pilot
- Harrogate district covid rate reaches four-month high
A government spokesperson said:
0