Reading and Leeds festival cancelled due to coronavirus

Ticket-holders will be given a choice between a refund and entry next year

Reading and Leeds music festivals have been cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement posted to Instagram, organisers confirmed: “Reading and Leeds will no longer be taking place this year. We’ve been closely monitoring this unprecedented situation and we were hopeful we could deliver the ultimate festival to you in August, something to look forward to in these strange and confusing times.

“However, it has become clear that it’s just not possible for this year’s festival to go ahead.”

Stormzy, Liam Gallagher and Rage Against the Machine were among the acts who were scheduled to play both events.

The statement continued: “We’re already counting down the days to when we’re back in the fields we call home for the August Bank holiday weekend. We promise you that Reading and Leeds 2021 will be worth the wait.

“Finally, we encourage everyone to continue supporting our emergency services, who provide invaluable support and assistance at all our events and we again express our gratitude, admiration and thanks for their dedication and professionalism.”

Reading and Leeds follows in the footsteps of several other major festivals to be cancelled this summer, including Glastonbury's 50th anniversary, Download, and BBC1's Big Weekend.

People who purchased tickets to Reading and Leeds will be contacted with the option of receiving a refund or retaining the ticket, which will be valid for next year’s festival.