Ohio city of Springfield cancels cultural festival after furore over Haitians

Springfield City Hall, several schools, and state motor vehicle offices in Springfield were forced to evacuate last week after receiving bomb threats (Paul Vernon/AP)

An Ohio city at the centre of a political furore over Haitian migrants cancelled its annual celebration of cultural diversity on Monday in response to days of violent threats that have closed schools and government offices.

Springfield’s two-day CultureFest, which highlights diversity, arts and culture, had been scheduled to begin on September 27 but was cancelled “in light of recent threats and safety concerns”, city officials announced.