The no singing, no dancing Christmas may be even more subdued with a new strain of coronavirus sweeping Britain.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary for England, announced the virus news after more areas of England were moved to tier three, the highest risk category.
He said the new strain that was causing an upsurge in many areas was no more dangerous than the original one.
If the number of cases keeps rising, the Christmas break may be more Spartan, with a risk even of cancellation, although the government says it will not review its plan. In any case, it will be followed by more lockdown.
The hospitality business will lose their most lucrative pre Christmas weeks, entertainment will be hard hit including the the West End, which was coming alive again with shows and lavish pantomimes..
The Society of London Theatre said it was devastating news that would cause catastrophic financial difficulties for venues, producers and thousands of workers. After tonight the theatre scene in London will end for who knows how long.
There is similar anxiety in Wales, where the infection rate is now the highest of the UK nations.
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