The Covid-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of this year's Godalming Performing Arts Festival for the first time in its 74-year history.

The six-week festival, which features competitive sections in music, dance, musical theatre and speech and drama, normally runs for two weeks in February and into March.

But publicity manager Angus Palmer told Godalming Nub News the decision to cancel had had to be taken in light of restrictions brought in to tackle the pandemic. Last year's restrictions meant organisers weren't been able to start preparations, and there is no certainty around when this year's restrictions will be lifted.

"We don't know what it's going to look like in February and March, although it looks like we will still be locked down," he said.

"We do need to prepare for the festival for some considerable time in advance. Preparation begins in September, with signing up schools and people to take part. Normally, the programmes would be going to the printers about now."

The Godalming event is one of the largest festivals of its kind in Britain, with around 2,500 participants, and events are held in eight venues around the town. One of the highlights is the school choirs competition, which features around 20 choirs singing in the Great Chapel at Charterhouse School.

Organisers are instead planning a 'digital' festival for the spring, if schools are allowed to open by then, with the performances streamed via YouTube.

The festival website here will be updated with news of the virtual festival as it becomes available.