Alderney Week 2020 cancelled

Alderney Week has been cancelled because of coronavirus.

It will be the first time in 72 years that the event - which is the largest free festival in the Channel Islands - has not taken place.

It was due to take place between the 1 and 8 August, with the theme being 20s.

The island's population of 2,000 people was set to double with holiday makers, second home owners and residents due to pour into the island for the carnival.

Alderney is heavily dependent on its short summer season, and thefestival usually generates hundreds of thousands of pounds for localretailers, restaurants, bars and accommodation providers.

In addition to the lack of people travelling to the island, it was feared thatmany residents would not feel comfortable in crowded situations.

But organisers say islanders will still be able to join in with some of the fun.