Having hoped to run Ledbury Poetry Festival in some form despite the coronavirus outbreak, organisers have reluctantly taken the difficult decision to cancel this year's event, scheduled to run from July 3 to 12.

"Our goal is to act in a responsible manner with regard to the safety of our audiences and volunteers, alongside safeguarding the Festival from financial risk as much possible," their official statement says. "With this in mind, this is the safest and best course of action.

"In 2021 we will celebrate 25 years of Ledbury Poetry Festival. We hope as many of you as possible will join us for what is bound to be a very special gathering."

Ledbury Poetry Competition is still open for entries, with entry closing at 5pm BST on Thursday, July 16. Visit poetry-festival.co.uk to enter. You will also find all last year's winning poems on the website, and links to the festival archive, which contains recordings of events, including many international highlights, dating from 2014. You can also join the online Segments poetry writing sessions.