THIS year's Oswestry Food and Drink Festival, planned for the weekend of July 11-12 will be cancelled because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the town council has confirmed.

The free event is popular with visitors but the government guidance on social distancing and mass gatherings has meant that the event cannot take place.

New town mayor, Councillor Duncan Kerr, admitted the council were disappointed but felt they had no choice with what decision to make.

He said “This is one of the most important and biggest events in the calendar which attracts thousands of visitors to the town and while the council has no other option, it is still disappointing.

"The Oswestry Food and Drink Festival showcases the best of local produce, demonstrates to visitors what a great town we have but it also makes an important contribution to the local economy.

"We will look forward to the 2021 festival and make sure that it is better than ever. In the meantime you can help by supporting all our fabulous producers and retailers of local foods as soon as they are able to trade.”