A STREET party celebrating the 50th anniversary of Southampton’s city status has been cancelled because of a delay in dismantling the set for a play based on Saints. 

The event, organised by Love Southampton on behalf of the city’s Christian churches, was due to take place in Guildhall Square next Sunday.

It had been planned as part of the city’s celebrations marking 50 years since it was given city status.

But organisers said it has had to be cancelled after delays in removing the Playing Field set of the Nuffield Theatre’s The Saints show.

Now street party organisers are planning a Christmas party instead with live music, mince pies and a record breaking carolling attempt.

Event co-ordinator Neil Maddock said: “This has been a real disappointment as a lot of planning and preparation had gone into the street party. 

“Some of the logistics will carry into the December event but we now have to re-book certain things and make new arrangements as well with potentially higher costs because of the time of year.

“However, we are looking forward to the Christmas street party and we trust that it will be a great opportunity for lots of people to wrap up warm, come out and have a mince pie and a hot drink and join in with a sing-a-long to some Christmas carols.”

The Nuffield Theatre has apologised to Love Southampton and offered costumes and publicity for the new event.

A spokesman said: “It was deeply regrettable that the party had to be postponed to another date later in the year and Nuffield apologises for any inconvenience caused. Nuffield looks forward to supporting the event in December.”

Cllr Satvir Kaur, Southampton City Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “Unfortunately the temporary structure for the Playing Field took longer to dismantle than anyone expected, which has had a knock-on effect on plans to hold a street party in Guildhall Square. 

“While it’s disappointing that it’s not going ahead this month we are working with the organiser towards holding another event later in the year.”

Love Southampton hopes to make it into the record books for the largest group of carol singers in one venue, smashing the current record set by 15,674 people in Columbia, South America, last year.

They are also calling for more volunteers to help with the event, which takes place from 4pm-7pm on December 13. More information is at lovesouthampton.org.uk/guildhall-square-street-party.