THE Bournemouth 7s Festival has been put back three months in a bid to ensure it can go ahead.

The event - the world's biggest sports and music festival - will now be held over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

It was due to be held from May 28-31 but organisers have moved it to August 27-29.

Nearly 80 per cent of tickets have already been sold and ticket holders have been assured their place at the festival is guaranteed.

There are still thousands more tickets available to those who wish to join the fun.

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Founder and CEO Roger Woodall said: "The 14th Bournemouth 7s Festival will now take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

"Over the past few weeks, it has become clear that these new dates give us the best possible opportunity to bring back the festival we all love in 2021.

"I’d really like to thank everyone for their amazing support for the festival to date. With over 80 per cent of tickets for 2021 already sold, we cannot wait to welcome you all to our biggest ever festival later this summer."

Bournemouth 7s started in 2008 and involved just two sports - rugby and netball.

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Its huge popularity was soon apparent and it has grown to a huge event over the years.

In 2019 30,000 people attended with 3,000 of them camping at the site, at Chapel Gate.

A total of 168 rugby teams took part along with 96 netball temas, 96 dodgeball teams, 32 hockey teams and 12 volleyball teams.

Mr Woodall added: "All team entry places and tickets will automatically roll over to the new dates, you don’t need to do anything and your place is guaranteed.

"We would love you to keep your ticket for the new dates. However, if you can’t make it, we will give you a full refund including ticket fees."

Refunds must be claimed by Friday February 19 and more details are available at bournemouth7s.com

He added: "Thank you all for your understanding and support through these crazy times. Bring on the sun, DJs, bands, dancing, beers and a cracking party in August."