THE Chalke Valley History Festival has today announced it will not be going ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The event was due to take place from June 28 to 28 and would have celebrated its tenth anniversary.

In a statement it said: "It is with very heavy hearts that we have to announce today that, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival will not be taking place this June. Sadly, events have taken such a dramatic turn over the past week that it is simply no longer possible to hold it as planned."

The chair of the festival, James Holland, said: “We cannot thank everyone enough for all their enormous support of the Festival over the past decade and we are truly sorry it cannot take place this summer, our tenth anniversary year.

"We are, however, looking into alternative ways of continuing our mission to promote the understanding and enjoyment of history to the widest possible audience, and will, of course, keep everyone updated as and when we have more news. The programme was due to go to print this week, and we have all been especially excited about it, believing it the best ever. For your interest, we are posting it on the newly redesigned website at cvhf.org.uk.

"In the meantime, please do keep safe and we all look forward to seeing you again at next year’s festival.”