A POPULAR Swanage festival has been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Swanage Fish Festival, due to take place on June 12 and 13, has fallen victim to the pandemic.

A spokesperson for the festival said: “Due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, the committee have sadly decided that we have to cancel the 2021 Swanage Fish Festival.

“We can assure you that this was not an easy decision, as we all want to be able to look forward to events in the future.

“We need to ensure the safety of you all, volunteers, exhibitors and the general public, and this has to be our overriding priority. 

“With the ever-changing Covid-19 situation, the practicalities of organising a large festival event are extremely difficult.

“To ensure and maintain the necessary safety levels for all visitors is nigh on impossible to plan for.

“So, we have taken the decision to postpone the festival for another year and hope that by June 2022 the situation will have improved to the extent that we can again all enjoy Swanage Fish Festival.

“We will be arranging some fund-raising events throughout this year with the aim of supporting our three main charities, we will let you know what, when and where in due course – we hope you will be able join us.

“Lastly, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support over the past years and sincerely hope that you will all be back with us in 2022.

“In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy and we look forward to seeing you again soon.”