A POPULAR city festival is the latest major event to fall victim to the coronavirus crisis.

The Worcester Beer, Cider and Perry Festival has been cancelled due to the crisis, with organisers saying they had hoped to go ahead with the festival in August, however this is no longer possible.

In a statement, the committee said: "With the current situation regarding Covid-19 and the impact it is having across the world, the sad and difficult decision has been made by us here at the Worcester Beer, Cider and Perry Festival to suspend the planning for our festival this year.

"This is taking into account Public Health England and World Health Organisation recommendations at this time regarding social gatherings.

"CAMRA issued guidelines mean that we have now fallen within the three-month period for review.

"We have left it as long as we can before making this decision and have been keeping a watchful eye on the restrictions as well as the progress being made in overcoming the virus, in the hope of us being able to open in August.

"Due to the extended lockdown conditions and the potential conditions likely to be in place at that time, this is not possible for our festival.

"As I’m sure you all know, the festival is completely organised and operated by volunteers, so it is a passion for us, and this decision has not been made hastily.

"With this in mind, we have the safety of our volunteers and customers at the top of our list so we wouldn’t want to jeopardise that in any way, which is why we cannot continue with the festival this year.

"We very much look forward to having a festival next year, and look forward to seeing you all there.

"Stay safe and healthy from all of us here at the Worcester Beer, Cider & Perry Festival Committee."