ORGANISERS of Larmer Tree Festival have taken the "difficult decision" to cancel this year's event.

The festival, which was due to mark its 30th anniversary this year, had been scheduled for July 16 to July 19 in Cranborne Chase, with Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, James and Jack Savoretti headlining.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this year's event has now been cancelled.

A statement released by organisers online said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have reached the difficult decision to cancel Larmer Tree Festival's 30th Anniversary.

"We were so looking forward to welcoming you all back to Larmer Tree Gardens in July, but given the pandemic status of Covid-19 and the unprecedented uncertainty surrounding events we feel cancelling is the right thing to do. Your wellbeing and that of our amazing staff, invaluable volunteers, artists and the local community are paramount and the decision to cancel now has been made with everyone's best interests in mind.

"Making this call now will allow us to minimise the impact on a large number of people as they plan the difficult weeks ahead, including the cherished community that has made Larmer Tree happen year after year. Most importantly it will enable us all to focus our efforts on protecting the vulnerable in our society whilst not placing further pressures on the NHS and emergency services.

"The decision to take this extraordinary step has been a very difficult one. We're so sad not to be able to bring you the festival we all love. Rest assured we will be offering refunds to all ticket purchasers. Please refer to our FAQs for more information.

"A special thank you to everyone for their continued support and kind words. We hope you and your family are getting through these difficult times and able to keep the Larmer Tree spirit alive at home."