A community Midsummer's Eve event in Birmingham has been cancelled after travellers set up an unauthorised encampment on the playing fields where it was due to be held.
Event postponed due to safety fears
The gathering, organised as a Midsummer's Eve celebration for residents to bring chairs, drinks, and share memories of the park, was scheduled for Saturday, June 20, from 7.30pm until late. However, organisers announced the postponement after visitors expressed concerns about attending due to the presence of travellers.
A group of caravans and other vehicles first arrived at King George V Playing Fields on Sutton Oak Road on Tuesday, June 16, with numbers increasing since then.
Organisers left with no choice
In a Facebook post, organisers stated: "POSTPONED. Because of the growing number of travellers' caravans and vehicles on the field and people's reluctance to join us we felt we had no choice. We hope to reschedule but it won't be Midsummer."
They added that a meeting would take place on Thursday, June 25, at the Community Church on Westwood Road, where updates on the situation would be provided.
Local concerns and council response
Residents claimed the travellers gained access by breaking a padlocked main gate. Birmingham City Council reiterated its commitment to protecting its land, stating it would take steps to recover the site from unauthorised encampments. The council also noted that alternative transit sites are available for the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community, in line with government policy.
There is currently no confirmed date for the eviction of the group from the park.
