A POPULAR Chester community festival due to take place this July has been called off due to coronavirus.

Avenue Services has reluctantly taken the decision to cancel this year's Blacon Festival.

The event, which is the biggest annual community-led festival in Chester, was due to take place at Queen Elizabeth Fields on July 4.

However, with lockdown restrictions and social distancing measures still in place, the difficult decision has been taken not to go ahead.

Sights are now being set on organising the next festival in 2021, when it is hoped that restrictions surrounding large public events will have been relaxed.

Paul Knight, head of Avenue Services, said: “The Blacon Festival is such an important event in the local calendar and this is not a decision we have taken lightly.

“The safety of our residents remains our top priority and the unprecedented situation means we cannot be certain what restrictions will be in place this summer.

“We know this will be disappointing but would like to thank residents for their understanding. We’re looking forward to returning with a fantastic community celebration in 2021, which will be the 25th time the festival has taken place.”

Organised by Avenue Services, the Blacon Festival is a free, fun-filled family event featuring stalls, music and entertainment, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Avenue Services, which is a not-for-profit organisation, is a joint venture between Sanctuary Group and Cheshire West and Chester Council.