Leyland Festival have announced via Twitter that it will not be going ahead for a second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, they have set a date for 18 June 2022 that the festival will return.

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The festival was also cancelled in 2020, along with many other events which involved large gatherings of people.

Read more: Number of weekly Covid cases for each area of Preston and South Ribble up to 3 February

Martin Carlin, chairman of the board of Leyland Festival directors said: “The cancellation of the festival for a second year brings huge disappointment for everyone involved. Although we have wrestled with this decision and made every effort to go ahead, it has become evident that we cannot continue to plan for an event in such uncertain times.

“The logistical and financial pressure on the shoulders of everyone involved in bringing the event to life – our dedicated participants, volunteers, organisers and sponsors – is too great to bear in a climate of such uncertainty.

“We exist to showcase the very best of what our town and wider county has to offer, and sadly this year that means hitting pause in order to protect and care for each other.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to set out a roadmap on Monday 22 February including when certain sectors can open and when schools will reopen.

Read more: Preston and South Ribble’s coronavirus infection rates continue to fall as booster vaccine shots may be needed to defend against South African Covid variant

Martin added: “There is hope on the horizon, and with great excitement we are able to announce our plans to return with another spectacular event on the 18 June 2022. We are overwhelmed with inspiration and dedication, and are working towards an action-packed agenda filled with events to suit our growing and diverse community.

“We’re asking everyone to stay safe, hopeful and excited, and to prepare to party when we finally make it back!”

Every area of Lancashire has seen a decrease in coronavirus cases per 100,000 over the last seven days.

However, Preston is currently the area in Lancashire with the highest infection rate which stands at 348.6.

England’s rate has also decreased and is now 211.8.

See the latest coronavirus cases and information near you

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