A major Millicent Christmas event will not be held in 2020 due to factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bare surroundings of the Millicent Showgrounds shearing shed usually undergo their yearly festive transformation each December when hundreds of revellers of various ages come together for a community carols night.

However, the COVID-19 social distancing protocols have put a maximum attendance of 100 on the free event.

With such a restriction, the organisers regretfully decided to cancel next month’s celebration.

Baptist Church minister Malcolm Eberhard said church members had measured the dimensions of the shearing shed.

“There would have been trouble keeping people apart,” Pastor Malcolm said.

“We did not think the COVID rules would be relaxed by the time of the event.”

Lasting around two hours, Carols in the Shearing Shed is staged each year by the Millicent Baptist Church.

Funds are generated for local charities such as St John volunteers, Millicent and District Hospital and the Millicent Cancer Support Group.