Hampshire music festival Swan Fest cancelled for second year running due to coronavirus
A MUSIC festival that draws thousands of people to a Hampshire village has been cancelled for the second year in a row.
Swan Fest, held in Swanmore, has been put on hold once again due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2020 festival dates were pushed back to June this year, but organisers have been forced to cancel the event after exhausting all possible alternatives.
In a Facebook post last night, organisers said: ‘It is with regret that we must announce that Swan Fest will no longer be taking place this year.
‘This decision hasn’t been taken lightly and we have tried our hardest to make it work, but it was unavoidable given the current situation.
‘We were excited to welcome everyone to this year’s fantastic festival and we extend our sincere apologies to everyone who was looking forward to it as much as we were.
‘The safety of our audience, artists, crew and the community is paramount and we appreciate your support and understanding.’
It comes as festivals planned across the country are scrapped due to the ongoing pandemic.
Glastonbury Festival has already been cancelled, with the Association of Independent Festivals saying others are close to pulling the plug for this year.
Any tickets that have been purchased for this year's Swan Fest will still be valid for next year’s event, organisers have confirmed.
The 2019 festival – the second year the event had taken place – saw 00s pop rock band The Hoosiers headlining, alongside a variety of local artists.