The directors of the Yorkshire Choice Awards’ (YCAs) event have taken on board what the government has announced today and from their meetings with the venue hosts (Elland Road) and the decision to postpone this coming Saturday night’s gala event is unfortunate, but absolutely required.
The Oscar-style ceremony event, which is recognised as a highlight of the Yorkshire calendar, with 800 people attending, at the Centenary Pavilion at Elland Road will still take place, however, as soon as a new date is arranged once the Covid-19 risk is clear.
YCA directors Jo Maltby and Melanie Malcolm have been observing the state of the UK with regards to the Coronavirus and it has been increasingly clear that they would have no choice but to act on the advice and notices given.
Melanie Malcolm said, “Nothing comes ahead of the health and safety of the British public and therefore we must think of our guests. With 800 people attending, it was simply going to be too much of a risk and something we were incredibly concerned about at this delicate stage; however, the government and venue hosts have helped make this decision for us.”
Jo Maltby added, “we spoke with Elland Road (our venue hosts), and a decision has been made to reschedule the event for a date when the Covid-19 virus was safe. Fortunately, our loyal and new YCA sponsors also agree with this decision. I want to make it absolutely clear that we are not cancelling the event, simply postponing it until it’s prudent to go ahead. We will make sure that our guests, sponsors and the media experience an even more impressive event that the huge success we all enjoyed last year.”
Melanie Malcolm followed up with, “We have already discussed our decision with as many people involved as possible including our supported charities and without exception, everyone is behind our decision.”
YCA headline sponsor Yorkshire Payments added, “We are proud to be the headline sponsors of the Yorkshire Choice Awards for the last couple of years and although we are also truly disappointed that it has to be postponed, we totally agree with the organisers decision. With over 800 guests including numerous vulnerable and wonderful people who have dedicated their lives to different charities, we must all agree that they come first. We will all face numerous challenges over the coming weeks as our nation fights the Coronavirus, but our great Yorkshire spirit & strength will conquer this virus.
Jo and Mel have already had several meetings about the 2020 YCA in the past few days leading up to this decision and a further announcement will be made regarding it and a new date as soon as it is possible.
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