Fascinating Aida were among the acts booked to appear. Photograph: Johnny Boylan

The 2020 St Ives September Festival has become the latest in a long list of events to fall victim to the coronavirus pandemic.

The festival committee took the decision to call off this year’s music and arts festival, scheduled to take place from 12th to 26th September, with no indication as to when restrictions regarding event venues, social distancing, travel, and holiday accommodation will be fully lifted.

Festival chair, Mary English, said: “It is hugely disappointing, but our responsibility to look after the residents of St Ives was paramount in our decision. We feel strongly about our obligation to keep both our town and its visitors safe.

“I would like to express my thanks to all the festival volunteers who worked so hard on this year’s festival, along with all the rest of the arts and music community who were organising events.”

St Ives September Festival 2020

Before Covid-19 took hold, St Ives was looking forward to a bumper September Festival, with very encouraging early ticket sales. The Cornish Riviera Box Office will be contacting everyone who has purchased tickets for Guildhall events by email.

Performers booked by the festival have been invited to appear at the 2021 event, and several have already expressed a desire to take up the offer.

Mary said: “We look forward to welcoming both participants and festival-goers back to St Ives in much happier circumstances.”