This year's Download Festival at Donington Park has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, organisers have confirmed.

BBC East Midlands reports that the rock and metal event had been due to take place from 4 to 6 June, headlined by Kiss, Biffy Clyro and System of a Down.

Download Festival bosses said they had concluded it was "not possible" to make the event happen.

Ticket holders have been told they can retain their spots for next year or receive a refund.

The event had been due to start a few weeks before the Government's June 21 target date to remove all legal limits on social contact.

Last year the festival was also called off due to the pandemic, in what would have been the 40th anniversary of its original incarnation, Monsters of Rock.

Instead, fans were encouraged to pitch tents in their gardens and share pictures while watching archive interviews and performances.

In a statement, organisers said the decision to cancel this year's event came "following the announcement of the Government's roadmap and despite the extraordinary efforts the NHS have put in to roll out the vaccine".

They said the festival "will return stronger than ever" in 2022, with Biffy Clyro, Iron Maiden and Kiss already confirmed as headliners.

Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson said the band were delighted to be invited back for next year's event.

"Like everyone, we were all hugely disappointed when the global pandemic forced the cancellation of Download 2020 which would have been Maiden's seventh time headlining here," he said.

"As most people know, this festival is hallowed ground for us and our fans' vocal support and enthusiasm is always phenomenal and much appreciated.

"We can't wait to see everyone again, and are determined to make the show one hell of a party and the greatest homecoming ever."