A CAJUN and Zydeco music festival planned for Welshampton this summer has been cancelled over coronavirus fears.

The Big Weekend 2020 was due to be held in August, but COVID-19 has forced the organisers to cancel the event.

Organisers have now made the decision to move the event to 2021, with the musicians due to travel from the US to take play also agreeing to the move.

Chris Bryan-Smith, one of the event's organisers, said the decision to cancel came with a heavy heart.

"We have tried our very best to stay positive and see the festival come to fruition this year," he said. "We were so excited about the amazing artists we had lined up for you all to enjoy; and heaven knows we could all do with a little joy, fabulous music, dancing, friendship and love in our lives at this time.

"We had our final decision committee meeting on Tuesday and it is with great sadness and regret that we all decided in the present climate regarding the coronavirus pandemic it would be too risky and difficult to navigate around all the issues concerning the virus and a festival such as ours.

"Social distancing at an event in which couple dancing is a main activity being just one issue of many.

"We are fully committed to the health and well being of our guests above all else.

"With a heavy heart I can officially announce that the Big Weekend 2020 has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic."

But Chris says himself and the rest of the committee are looking forward to next year's running.

"On a more positive note we are fully committed to the festival returning in August 2021.

"We have contacted all the artists booked to perform this year and without exception all have shown solidarity and support and agreed to perform at the Big Weekend 2021.

"We are delighted that we are able to present the same amazing line up next year.

"For those of you who have already purchased tickets for 2020, we hope that you will be happy to hang on to these as they will roll over to next year, it would help us greatly if you were able to do this.

"For those who may wish to request a re-fund, this can be arranged by contacting us via the website, our Facebook page or via Eventbrite directly and we will release further details in the next couple of weeks about the finer details.

"At present, ticket prices will not increase until next year; so if anyone wants to get theirs booked for next year, please feel free.

"We thank you most sincerely for your love and support through these uncertain times, we hope you stay well and have a great Summer; and we look forward to seeing you all on the dance floor at the Big Weekend, August 13 to 15 2021."