A POPULAR county festival has been cancelled again due to the coronavirus crisis, but could still go ahead if a remote operation can be arranged.

The Upton Folk Festival, held annually in the town in April and May, has been axed following the increase in coronavirus cases nationwide.

It regularly draws thousands of people to the town and is one of several major town events to have been also cancelled last year.

In a statement, the festival’s directors said: “It is with great regret that the directors of Upton Folk Festival have agreed that following the latest government announcements a festival in the town of Upton will no longer be possible for 2021.

“This decision has been made for the safety of Upton town’s people, the festival goers, performers and the committee and helpers that would have worked tirelessly to bring benefit to the town.

“We are delighted however to let you know that we are now working on bringing something to you over the festival weekend on a remote basis – more to follow...”

The folk festival has been held in the town for more than 30 years and sees concerts, ceilidhs, competitions, workshops, displays and a host of established names from the world of folk take part each year.

The most recent festival, in 2019, saw 60 teams of dancers representing different traditions of Morris dancing including the local Border tradition with blackened faces, and Cotswold and North West, put on a show spectators in the High Street and Waterside.

Most of Upton’s many town events were cancelled last year, and unless a significant change happens with coronavirus infection rates, this is likely to be the same in 2021.

Last year saw the cancellations of the Upton Blues and Jazz festival, the Sunshine Festival and Mello Festival, though big name acts Joss Stone and James Blunt have been confirmed for the 2021 Mello Festival, should it go ahead.