A POPULAR festival has become the latest event to be axed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Harwich International Shanty Festival, together with its planned emphasis on the Mayflower 400th anniversary, will be postponed until next year.

Organisers have explained they have delayed their decision in the hope the Covid-19 situation might change sufficiently to make concrete plans for the autumn.

However, the Harwich Shanty Festival committee has concluded the available time left is not sufficient to allow them to plan and deliver a “festival of their usual standard”.

In an open statement, the committee said: “The uncertainty still surrounding whether and how hospitality venues can operate, the possibility of a second spike, the increased danger of this virus to the portion of the population who form a large part of our audience; all these things make it impossible to be certain of running a festival this year.

“We would, therefore, like to invite all artists who were confirmed for this year to come instead in 2021.

“I can only apologise profusely we find ourselves unable to run this year and hope you will all understand it really is out of our control.”

Organisers have asked groups who could come to Harwich without the need for overnight accommodation if they would be interested in taking part in a smaller festival.

The Back to Roots Festival would take place over the weekend of October 10 and 11 if the coronavirus situation improves.

The statement said it would be organised “just for fun”.

“We do not know whether we will be able to sing in pubs, or only outside in the open air,” the committee added.

People have been asked to get in touch via email at info@harwichshantyfestival.co.uk or by calling organisers on 07921 640 772 or 07894 055 151.