THIS year’s open air concerts at Cardigan Castle have been called off.

The events – a joint venture between Theatr Mwldan and the castle – were set to take place over the summer months and looked to build on the huge success of KT Tunstall’s sell-out gig last year.

Dilwyn Davies, chief executive at Theatr Mwldan, said: “Our planned annual music events at Cardigan Castle will not take place this summer. “We’re sorry to disappoint you as we know these events have become a real highlight in the Cardigan calendar over the past few years and a much-anticipated chance for everyone to get together, celebrate and let their hair down.

“The good news is that we have now rescheduled the first two events into summer 2021 (Lost in Music: One night at the disco to July 16, 2021 and Radio Ga Ga: Celebrating the Champions of Rock to July 31, 2021), and if you had already booked tickets for these events this year we will be in touch with you directly soon.”

Theatr Mwldan remains closed under current lockdown legislation but is now looking to the future.

Mr Davies said: “As further government advice emerges, we are thinking about, and re-imagining, our operations over the coming months.

“We have also been busy discussing the future for the creative and events-based industries with our partners, colleagues and funders in the arts sector.

“There is also a good deal of national research being done centred around how and when audiences might return to events and venues to enjoy again what we have all sadly currently lost.

“There have been reports in national media recently regarding cinemas reopening, possibly as early as July, albeit with some forms of social distancing and other measures in place.

“As a company, we are conscious that there are financial pressures at stake which are intended to drive a quicker return to ‘normality’ than might be wise or safe to do so.

“But, as a company, we are more conscious of our own responsibility to you, our community, and to our staff.

“We are, therefore, determined to do everything we can to put the welfare of our staff, customers, audiences and artists above the obvious economic pressure to reopen until we are confident that it is absolutely as safe and comfortable as we can make it.

“We recognise that we, together with our community, have a collective social responsibility and we feel strongly that safety and wellbeing is paramount above all else.”

The theatre is now asking its customers for input in working towards planning a responsible, phased re-opening of its operations

People are being asked to complete a questionnaire which will help the theatre to gauge the mood locally.

“We are also interested in measuring and plotting any changes in attitudes as time progresses, and therefore we intend to recirculate this questionnaire monthly as circumstances develop so we can take an informed view of our planning,” added Mr Davies.

“At Mwldan, we have always brought people together for great live - and filmed - social experiences: it’s what we do.

“Sadly we can't replace direct human contact, but we do passionately believe in the many positive benefits that interaction with the arts and culture can bring and we can’t wait to welcome you back, but only when the time is right”