THE popular live music concerts will not take place in Dalby Forest next year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Forestry England, which puts on the annual summer event, says the North Yorkshire venue will be taking a break from Forest Live in 2021, along with Bedgebury Pinetum and Sherwood Pines.

A spokesperson said: "Sadly, we will not be holding Forest Live concerts at Bedgebury Pinetum, Dalby Forest and Sherwood Pines in 2021. This difficult decision follows the cancellation of Forest Live 2020 due to coronavirus (Covid-19) and the challenges this presented.

"We have reviewed our whole Forest Live concert series and had to take this decision so that the Forest Live programme can continue to generate funds that will support Forestry England to look after the nation’s forests and woods sustainably.

"Forest Live concerts at each of these locations have always had a magical atmosphere. Like many of you, we have cherished memories of seeing phenomenal live acts beneath the trees and we miss seeing performances here.

"We understand the news of our 2021 plans will be disappointing, but we hope to start working on other exciting events and activities for the future, so that you have other great reasons to come and enjoy the forest."

Forest Live is a major outdoor live music series held every year by Forestry England. More than 1.9 million people have attended a Forest Live concert in the last 19 years, with income from ticket sales helping to look after the nation’s forests.

The Kaiser Chiefs, Will Young and James Morrison had all been due to perform in Dalby Forest in June, but the concerts were cancelled due to the coronavirus restrictions.