This year’s White Cliffs Walking Festival has been cancelled because of coronavirus.

Last week the White Cliffs Ramblers, who have organised the festival since 2013, took the decision to cancel the event, which had been set for August 27-September 1, because it was felt social distancing measures would not be eased in time to allow it to take place.

Group chairman Margaret Lubbock said: “It is with much regret, and a heavy heart, that the White Cliffs Ramblers have to cancel this year's White Cliffs Walking Festival at the end of August.

“We would all like to get together for an enjoyable time walking in our fabulous White Cliffs area, but to put on a festival is just not possible or viable in today’s climate of social distancing.”

It comes after The Heart of Kent Walking Festival and Elham Valley Walking Festival were cancelled in April and May respectively.

Mrs Lubbock added: “The festival committee have already put in a great deal of hard work in planning old and new walks for you to enjoy. We intend as far as possible to replicate this for our 2021 festival (when we do hope social distancing will be a thing of the past).

“So we will meet again on the White Cliffs of Dover.”

The White Cliffs Walking Festival includes walks from across the coast at Dover, Deal, and Folkestone and country strolls towards Canterbury. All are of varying distances and some are themed.

The 2021 festival is scheduled for August 26-31 2021.

Other events in the district to be cancelled include Dover Carnival, the Marines on the Green concert in Walmer, Clifftop Challenge in Deal, and a raft of events in Sandwich including the Salutes the 40s event, Folk n Ale Festival and The 149th Open golf championship at Royal St George's Golf Club.

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