THE HASLEMERE Fringe Festival in July and June’s Liphook Bike Ride have become the latest summer events to be cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The fringe committee said the decision was taken to safeguard the thousands of people who attend the popular biennial event, and the many volunteers who help run the festival.

But the event will take place in July 2021 – and this year’s headline acts Sophie Ellis Bextor and Newton Faulkner have already promised to take part.

Committee chairman Ken Griffiths said: “We are hoping that next year we can all gather in safety and celebrate coming through the crisis with another terrific festival here in Haslemere.”

Held on the first weekend of July on Lion Green in the heart of Haslemere, the Haslemere Fringe Festival has grown in numbers and reputation.

The 2021 event is now scheduled to take place from Friday, July 2 to Sunday, July 4 – and organisers promise it will be ‘bigger and better than ever before’.

Mr Griffiths added: “The Fringe Festival team would like to thank all the schools and pupils for all their hard work on this year’s event and look forward to working with them and youth clubs, colleges and other local groups in 2021.”

People who have already bought tickets will be able to use them next year, although refunds are available.

The Haslemere Fringe Festival was supporting Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, which would have benefited with a donation from every ticket sale.

The festival committee added: “As we look forward to next year’s festival, we are appealing to supporters of the Haslemere Fringe to show their support through the donations already made.

“Support can also be offered through the link at the website www.haslemerefringe.co.uk and the Phyllis Tuckwell website www.pth.org.uk

It is “with regret” that organisers of the Liphook Bike Ride have also been forced to cancel this year’s 30th anniversary event, scheduled for June 7.

Ride chair Alistair Halliday said: “The ride has become the key highlight of the Liphook summer and plays a significant part in helping local charities, as well as provide a great day out for so many people of all ages. But we considered an early and clear decision to cancel would be in the best interests of everyone.

“We are hugely grateful for the sponsors who had already pledged their support this year, as well as to Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council who had generously agreed to donate a grant to support the ride, which we hope can be transferred to 2021.”

Haslemere folk can, however, look forward to a busy autumn – with planning well under way on the Haslemere Walking Festival (September 11 to 13) and Food Festival (September 19).