THIS year’s Cardigan River and Food Festival is the latest summer event to be cancelled in the area due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The annual festival, which has been running for more than 20 years and with the money it generates going straight back into our community to support local artists and suppliers, had been scheduled for August 22.

Last year, it attracted around 8,000 visitors to the Quay Street car park site, with more than 80 food stalls showcasing local produce, as well as entertainment and activities on the river.

But with the situation still far from clear regarding the Covid-19 crisis, organisers have now made the decision to pull the plug.

A statement said: “The decision has reluctantly been taken to cancel the River and Food Festival event for 2020.

“I know so many of you were hoping that by the time we reach August the landscape may be different and it’s not been as easy decision to make.

“We will also be sending out a communication by email to all suppliers/partners and traders that have booked however felt the quickest way to reach everyone was to post here first.

We will explain the process of carrying over bookings or requesting refunds in the emails to follow.

“Plans are under way to launch a click and collect local produce market in Cardigan where you will have the opportunity to buy from a few familiar faces - more details to follow.

“In the meantime stay safe.”

The cancellation follows in the footsteps of other high-profile local events which have had to be called off during the current crisis.

These include the likes of Barley Saturday, Cardigan Show, Newcastle Emlyn Food Festival, the Tivyside Show and Nevern Show.