The city said it was instead considering hosting several smaller events as part of the Cape Town CBD revitalisation programme, the first of which was set to take place at the Greenmarket Square this week.

“These events will be organised in line with the national lockdown restrictions and with the health and safety protocols in place.

“We are also in discussion with various event organisers to bring their events to the CBD,” said the city.

It said events had over the years been a major catalyst in the growth of auxiliary sectors such as hospitality, retail and tourism as people spent money in the city.

“Over the last seven months, the events industry has however seen a downturn and job losses due to regulations, and as the city we have to assist in arresting this decline by supporting event organisers as much as we can to ensure that the sector remains afloat.

“This is critical for thousands of people who rely on this industry to feed their families.”

TimesLIVE