One of Kent's largest outdoor events has been cancelled following the decision to delay the lifting of lockdown restrictions.

The organisers of the Black Deer festival, which had been due to take place at Eridge Park near Tunbridge Wells from June 25 to 27, said the event will return in 2022.

The festival, due to be headlined by Van Morrison, Robert Plant, Jake Bugg and Frank Turner, had already been moved once from its original date earlier in June to fit around the proposed timescales for restrictions being lifted.

But following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's confirmation last night that the target date of June 21 was being postponed to July 19, the organisers threw in the towel.

The said in a statement: "We can't quite put into words how we are feeling right now. The delay by the Government on the easing of restrictions means we're unable to bring you Black Deer Festival 2021.

"It's devastating news for all connected with Black Deer. But we'll be back in 2022.

"We'll soon be sharing the next steps for Black Deer Festival 2022 with all you wonderful ticket-holders who stuck with us. We'll be in touch very soon."

The festival was one of a number immediately put under threat by yesterday's announcement.

The Prime Minister now faces a Conservative backbench rebellion after announcing restrictions will now be lifted on July 19 rather than next Monday.

There is a slim chance this could be brought forward, with an assessment of numbers due in two weeks, although Mr Johnson conceded this was unlikely.

Announcing the decision last night, the Prime Minister said there 'was clear evidence vaccines were having a positive impact on hospitalisations and deaths.'

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