St Helier Music and Community Festival has been postponed until Summer next year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The free annual event which attracts thousands of residents has been cancelled due to the festivals committee being concerned about social distancing.

Together, the committee and Sutton Council have been working closely to move the event from its June slot until later in the summer.

However, with a concern of the public's safety, the decision has now been taken to move to Summer 2021.

Your Local Guardian:

The festival is one of the main events that take place in Sutton throughout the year, attracting people from all over the borough and further afield.

Last year, saw over 5000 attendees with the Mayor of Sutton opening the event, with more than 80 community-led stalls.

Karin Flower, of the St Helier Music and Community Festival committee, said: "It is with great regret that the organising committee has decided to cancel the 2020 event.

"We were desperately searching for other options right up to this week.

"The committee is all so passionate about bringing this event to the residents of Sutton and this decision has not been taken lightly."

Your Local Guardian:

Susan Peters, Chair of the St Helier Music and Community Festival committee, said: "We are very disappointed not to be in a position to go ahead as planned.

"The committee feels that it would not be possible to run such a large public gathering, whilst at the same time ensure people’s safety.

"We know that the cancellation of the event will be disappointing for the schools, families and small businesses who were looking forward to attending, however, we hope to see them all again in the Summer of 2021."

For more information visit at: www.SHMACF.co.uk