MINEHEAD Literary Festival 2020 will not go ahead as planned – but it is hoped to reschedule it for later in the year, possibly October 24 and 25.

And the short story competition is still running.

Festival tickets will be valid when the event goes ahead and anyone who cannot attend on those dates will be refunded.

There will be an update on when and how the short story competition winners will be announced.

Information can be found on the Minehead Literary Festival website. For queries or concerns, call 01643 703921 or email [email protected].

* An organ recital that was to have been hosted by the United Reformed Church in Minehead on Sunday afternoon (March 29) has been cancelled.

As with other public events, the cancellation is due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Minister the Rev Viv Henderson said it was hoped to reschedule the concert by local organist Stephen Price once normal life resumes.

As reported in last week’s Free Press, Stephen’s programme was a mixture of well known and lesser known pieces including works by Bach, Elgar, Albinoni, Sousa and Stanley.

* This year’s Simonsbath Festival has been cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis.

Committee member Philip Hull said: “This being our ninth Simonsbath Festival, we were looking forward to welcoming audiences who want to enjoy world class music, art, poetry and first-rate speakers from around the world.

“Regrettably we have had to cancel the festival this year. The health and welfare of our supporters and volunteers must always come first.

“Virus permitting, we would like to run an event or two later in the year and we will keep everybody informed of our plans.”

Any money already paid for tickets will be returned in full and those concerned will be contacted shortly.

News of other events affected by the coronavirus pandemic - or not - is in this week’s Free Press.