AN internationally renowned festival has announced it is the latest event to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

WOMAD festival, held at Charlton Park near Malmesbury will not take place this summer.

Over 30,000 revellers attend the internationally recognised arts festival every year, The festival brought artistes together from every corner of the globe, and is always a popular event among locals.

A spokesman for the festival said: "Like many others, we have been hoping, waiting and watching the coronavirus situation.

"Finally, we have been told that we will not be allowed to hold WOMAD this year at Charlton Park.

"Safety for all of our festivalgoers, artists and our own staff surpasses everything.

"All of us involved with WOMAD have already been really touched by the help and generous offers of many of those that we depend on to make the festival come to life.

"Many of the artists have already offered, or agreed, to play for us next year and we will now put our energies into making a great WOMAD 2021.

"It will obviously help us if you would agree to hold your tickets for next year's event, however we are fully aware of the financial stresses this strange situation has brought to many, so we understand if you need, or prefer, to have your money back.

"Please have a look at the WOMAD website where you will find instructions on how to roll the tickets over to 2021- or to get a full refund.

"We hope to see you all at Charlton Park next year for a big celebration, when we've put this meanie back in the bottle.

"Your love and support for the dream that is WOMAD, has always meant a lot to us, but especially now."