NEWTOWN Food Festival will not take place this year.

With great sadness, the organisers have confirmed the cancellation of the 2020 Food Festival due to the coronavirus pandemic, but dates have already been set for the event to return in 2021.

A spokesman for the organisers said: "We have been monitoring the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic over the last few months and were hopeful that we might be able to continue with the festival on September 5 and 6.

"However, with the Welsh Government advice and guidelines, the health and safety of everyone involved in the festival is paramount, and we feel that we have no option than to cancel this year’s festival.

"The difficult decision was made with our partners Newtown Food Festival Community Interest Company. We are mindful that lockdown restrictions are gradually being eased, but the main issue would be safety and capacity, mainly due to the social distancing measures which are set to continue for some time.

"2020 would have been our eighth festival and we appreciate all your support in helping us to grow the festival into a successful weekend that is now an important part of the Mid-Wales calendar.

"Our thoughts are with our exhibitors, entertainers, sponsors, visitors, volunteers and their communities we hope you stay safe and well during these difficult times.

"We look forward to seeing you all next year on September 4 and 5, 2021 – we can’t wait to see you all."

Newtown Town Cllr Richard Edwards chair of the Economy and Environment committee added: "It’s disappointing to cancel this year, but the safety of everyone comes first.

"I look forward to welcoming people back in 2021."