Another popular event has seen the axe due to coronavirus concerns.

Kendal Wool Gathering 2020 was cancelled last week, with the event supposed to go ahead in October.

In a statement, KWG secretary Cliff Dixon said: “Last night the committee met to discuss KWG 2020.

“We took many factors into account; and it is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to cancel KWG in 2020.

“We are saddened and disappointed that we have had to cancel KWG, but we aim to return in 2021 with a vibrant, exciting and successful event and look forward to seeing you there.”

A Kendal Wool Gathering spokesperson added: “The committee chaired by Mandy Dixon has decided that they have no other option other than to cancel the event.

“They looked at all potential solutions but thought they could not achieve the Government’s guidelines with sufficient distancing given the layout of the leisure centre and the high percentage numbers of visitors that would be in the high-risk category.

“As an organisation that is not for profit and reliant on local and regional council funding, it was thought to be irresponsible to run an event which could potentially help with a recurrence of the virus locally and causing a potential spread nationwide due to the travel involved by exhibitors and visitors alike.”

Organisers hope to plan a virtual gathering over the last October weekend, when the event would have taken place.

Via Facebook and the gathering’s website exhibitors will have the opportunity to show off their woolly wares to the general public.

Other wool festivals such as Woolfest have also had to be cancelled but managed to hold their own successful virtual online show.

“It is our intention to set up through Facebook and the KWG website a virtual show over the weekend of the October event, giving you both the opportunity to keep in-touch with last years’ exhibitor’s and their products,” said Mr Dixon.

Kendal Wool Gathering has been a part of the local calendar for eight years now and celebrates Kendal’s heritage with the cloth that the town has built its wealth upon.

The event attracts thousands of visitors from across the country.

Visitors can expect a huge variety of exhibitors displaying a range of yarns, dyes, crafts, art, tools, spinning wheels and much more.

A food court offers refreshment and visitors can even meet varieties of sheep in the livestock marquee.