ANOTHER of the district’s most popular events has fallen victim to the coronavirus.

The Tynedale Beer and Cider Festival, which had been due to be held over three days from June 18, was postponed on Tuesday.

It follows public health guidance from the government advising people to limit all social contact. A new date has yet to be confirmed.

Festival organisers have urged people who have already purchased tickets not to claim a refund just yet.

There are hopes it could be held later this year, after some large costs have already been incurred.

A spokeswoman for the festival said: “Should government restrictions mean that we have to cancel the festival for this year, you will still be able to claim a full refund.

“The festival has already incurred significant costs which will not be recovered if the festival has to be cancelled in 2020.

“As we are all volunteers and run the festival for charity and fundraising, we would ask that you consider forgoing refunds or only request a partial refund.

“If you could help us by not requesting a refund, your tickets would be valid for the 2021 festival.”

Elsewhere, question marks remain over Corbridge Festival and the prestigious British Masters golf event, due to be held at Close House.

A spokesman for the European Tour said all tournaments until the beginning of May are cancelled, but proportionate preparations for the Masters, due to be held in August, were continuing.

Meanwhile, Cheryl Durkin, the founder of Corbridge Festival, said: “I don’t know yet. All we can do is make contingency plans and explore the possibility of rescheduling. This is all totally unprecedented.”