SALISBURY International Arts Festival is not going ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Wiltshire Creative says it has made the "difficult decision" to cancel the event, which was due to run from May 22 to June 6, following government and industry advice.

But is says discussions are being held to see if events can be held at a later date or on a digital platform.

Wiltshire Creative artistic director Gareth Machin, said: “We are very disappointed that we cannot present the planned 2020 International Arts Festival. The wellbeing of everyone must come first, but this is devastating news for all our artists, staff, volunteers, participants and, of course, audiences and supporters.

“While we won’t be able to present the planned festival, we are in discussion with artists and companies exploring ways in which events might be presented either at a later date or on a digital platform.”

The festival was set to feature more than 100 cultural events.

Wiltshire Creative says last year’s festival was enjoyed by more than 42,000 people.

Anyone who has booked tickets for festival events will be contacted over the coming weeks. Wiltshire Creative says this may take some time and customers are requested not to call or visit the venues.

The cancellation of the 2020 Salisbury International Arts Festival which comes after the recent closure of Salisbury Playhouse and Salisbury Arts Centre, will have a devastating financial impact the charity has warned.

Mr Machin said: “As a charity, we are enormously grateful to ticket holders who are donating the value, or part value, of their tickets as a donation to support the organisation and the wider cultural sector.”

Further information and ways that people can offer support go to wiltshirecreative.co.uk