Bloodstock 2020 has been forced to cancel due to the coronavirus outbreak
Bloodstock is the latest summer festival to cancel amidst the ongoing circumstances.
The heavy metal weekender was scheduled to take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire, from August 6-9, but the situation is such that it cannot go ahead this year.
"Following the ongoing government guidance on mass gatherings and social distancing, we are extremely disappointed to announce that this year’s Bloodstock will no longer be going ahead," reads a statement from the Bloodstock team.
"We respect the government’s mandate and recognise it is made with the best intentions, in order to protect the health and safety of not only our audience, but our staff, crew, musicians, and other contractors who work on site at Bloodstock. Safety remains of paramount importance to us.
"We know you have been concerned about what the developing COVID-19 situation would mean for Bloodstock and will be as disappointed as we are at this tough decision, but we hope you can appreciate it is the right choice to make at this time. We had been working tirelessly to ensure we could still offer the top quality Bloodstock experience you trust us to provide, year on year - and this year more than ever, when we invited you to celebrate 20 Years of Bloodstock with us.
"We do not – and never will – take this trust in us for granted."
Fans who purchased tickets for this year's festival – due to be headlined by Behemoth, Judas Priest and Devin Townsend – can roll their ticket over for next year's Bloodstock at no extra cost. Alternatively, refunds are available for this year.
The majority of this year's lineup will perform next year, although Behemoth will no longer feature.
Next year's instalment will expand to a five-day event for the first time, taking place from August 11-15.
For more information, visit the Bloodstock website.
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