BOURNEMOUTH 7s Festival has announce that this year’s event will be postponed until August Bank Holiday due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Festival organisers announced today that the event, which was to be held on May Bank Holiday from Friday May 22 to Sunday May 24, will be moved to Friday August 28 to Sunday August 30.

“In a statement published on their website, the organisers said: “We know now that the anticipated peak of the coronavirus outbreak is likely to fall over our usual May weekend and we are simply not prepared to risk the safety of our players, ticket holders or staff – your health and safety has to be our absolute priority.

“Making the decision to postpone in never an easy one, but we have been working tirelessly to find another Bank Holiday weekend for you all to come together, play sport and party.

“We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding whilst we have put these plans in place. Sincere thanks also go to all of our sponsors, partners, suppliers and the venue itself – all of whom have been amazingly supportive of our plan to bring you a festival in 2020.”

Bournemouth 7s, held at Chapel Gate next to Bournemouth Airport, attracts over 30,000 festival goers and 400 sports teams each year from across the world.

All team entry places and tickets will automatically remain valid for the new dates in August.

If ticket holders or teams are unable to attend the rearranged dates, they can roll their ticket or team entry place over to next year’s event in 2021.