• Organisers have said the event will be back next year

• 'Global circumstances' have forced the organisers to take the decision now

• The uncertainty of the Coronavirus situation was a factor in the cancellation

• Event was designed to increase tourism to the town and put Ashby on the map

The REALfest music event due to held in Ashby's Bath Grounds this summer has been cancelled due to the ongoing Coronavirus scare.

It was due to have taken place on June 20.

But the Realfest team posted on their Facebook page on Monday that this year's event will not happen.

The post read: "So, us at the REALfest team have decided that this year due to circumstances that's happening globally and internally that REALfest carnival 2020 will not be going ahead.

"It has taken a lot of deliberation to decide this and we are deeply saddened to have to say this.

"Thank you all for your support through our REALfest journey!

"However we will be back bigger and better next year! So watch this space for REALfest carnival 2021!"

One of the event's organisers, Sharon Keevins explained the reasons behind the decision: 'We have had to cancel with the issues surrounding Coronavirus as it's only 14 weeks away and a lot of work has to go in now, with the uncertainty of being able to run it," she said.

"We will be back bigger and better next year."

In 2019, REALfest was described as: "REALfest is the perfect platform for the people of the area to showcase their expertise, play original music in front of a big crowd and enjoy mixing with some famous bands. This year we welcome Dare, an international rock band who tour all over Europe.

"If our legacy is this great community festival, which brings together the local community of Ashby de la Zouch and the surrounding villages, then we as organisers will be happy.

"We hope to put Ashby even more on the map, encourage trade in the town centre and support local businesses for economic growth.

"Ashby is the perfect location with excellent roads and motorways surrounding us linking to many towns and cities around the Midlands. As we grow our festival each year we have the advantage of our location for increased tourism.

"Many months of planning goes into this festival and we hope you come and support us, and most of all enjoy yourselves, young and old alike. There is something for everyone!"