THIS year's Firsfest, which would have been its 15th festival, has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The event had been due to take place on July 31 and August 1 with a line-up of 30 bands from across the south.

In a statement the festival organisers said: "We are sorry to announce that FirsFest 2020 is cancelled. This has been a difficult decision but in the light of the pandemic it would be irresponsible to go ahead with what would have been our 15th festival.

"Your wellbeing and that of our amazing crew, invaluable volunteers, artists and the local community are paramount and we thank you all for your unstinting support.

"Music, friendship and the great outdoors are going to be more important to us all than ever before as we rebuild our health and communities over the coming months.

"We will be putting all of our efforts into ensuring that next year’s festival running from the 30th to 31st July is everything that we had hoped for and more.

"We wish you all the very best through these difficult times and look forward to seeing you next year."

The music festival is entirely staffed by volunteers and helps raise money for the Stars Appeal.

For more information go to the Firsfest Facebook page or visit firsfest.co.uk