ONE of Worcestershire's best known festivals has been cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.

Mappfest, held annually, is one of the most popular events in the Malvern calendar, and organisers have postponed it with the promise of a 'heck of a party' later on.

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Andy Mapp, founder, said: “This is a really sad and difficult time for everyone and it is with great sadness that we have had to postpone the annual Mappfest free festival on Malvern Common. We promise to bring you one heck of a party when this is all over and look forward to getting the sound of music across the hills again soon. Keep safe everyone - together we can get through this.”

Mr Mapp added he is hopeful they can re-arrange the festival for later this year, saying they will consider postponing until next year if this is not possible.

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Last year’s Mappfest was also cancelled due to rising costs, concerns about terrorism at events, security and the lack of a chairman for the festival committee.

Mappfest started in 2009 and has since grown into one of the most popular county music events.

The family friendly music festival features local bands, as well as others from further afield, and has raised thousands for charity over the years.

Much of the money raised comes from the annual raffle and tombola, with the prizes being a big draw.

Mappfest is run by volunteers giving their time for free and receives no funding.

The festival was set to feature two stages of music, stalls, children’s amusements and a bar, and organisers hope to include a fly over from the RAF.

In past years there have been flyovers from the Red Arrows, Spitfires, Hurricanes ,a Dakota and even the Lancaster Bomber.

The festival has won the Pride of Malvern Hills Community People’s Choice Award, as well as being shortlisted for other festival awards and volunteer met Princess Anne in 2018 as recognition for its work to help charities in the area.