One of Preston’s biggest summer events has been postponed due to fears over the spread of Coronavirus.

The organisers of Prestfest have confirmed that the event is to be postponed for three months in the interest of minimising any potential risk from the virus.

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The event, scheduled to take place on the Flag Market on Saturday June 6^th, will now take place in the same location on Saturday 5^th September, as will the free Prestfest for Families event.

Despite the Government not yet issuing instructions to postpone or cancel mass gatherings, organisers have taken the proactive step to ensure attendees, and the wider city centre, are not affected by any cancellation instructions closer to the event.

Read more: Superstar DJs headline Prestfest when it returns to the Flag Market

Stacey Penney, the BID’s night economy representative said: “Steps like this are not considered lightly, the decision to postpone the event has been taken simply as a precaution given public concern around the Coronavirus.  We have considered all information available to us and have decided to move the event to September 5th.”

Mark Whittle from Preston BID added: “The welfare and safety of attendees, and that of the city centre users at large, are our primary concerns – naturally we are disappointed to have to move the event, but in the interest of reducing any potential risk of impact from mass gatherings, or on front line services, we feel it is the practical thing to do.

“Almost 1,000 guests who have already purchased tickets to the event will be offered replacement tickets for September 5^th, those who are unable to make the new date will be offered a refund”.

The city’s stores, bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels continue to operate as normal.

Anyone with any questions is asked to email: prestfest2020@outlook.com