A folk festival which has been running for almost 30 years will not go ahead this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Organisers of the Tenterden Folk Festival - which would have marked its 28th year this autumn - said they would be postponing the popular event until 2021 on safety grounds.

Festival director Alan Castle said on behalf of the organising committee that the decision had followed lengthy discussions. "In making this decision we have considered the age demographic of many of our festival guests, regular audience members and volunteers as well as our responsibilities as festival organisers to keep everyone safe at the festival."

He said they had delayed the move while waiting to see what restrictions and recommendations for public gatherings would be. But he added: "It now still seems unlikely to us that festival venues such as public houses, cafes and restaurants, hotels and other accommodation will be open as normal.

"We have heard from several morris sides that in their view the whole season is now a write-off as they have not been able to meet to practise and that some of their members would not feel safe attending any large gatherings this year."

The committee had also considered the safety of stallholders, exhibitors and performers as well as visitors coming from overseas.

The event will now be held next year from Thursday, September 30 to Sunday, October 3.

But he added that some smaller special events may be held between now and next year. "We look forward to seeing you all as soon it is safe and possible to do so. "

All those involved will be contacted about the change in the coming weeks. To find out more and book for next year go to tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk

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