Download organisers are "beyond disappointed" to cancel this year's festival at Donington Park.
The rock three-dayer was due to take place June 12-14 with K iss, Iron Maiden and System of A Down booked to headline the main stage.
It was only a fortnight ago revellers were reassured the festival would go ahead as things stood but organisers have been monitoring the developing coronavirus situation and now feel it "just isn't possible" to go ahead.
A statement was made on behalf of the festival this afternoon (March 26). It read: This decision hasn’t been taken lightly and we’re beyond disappointed, we extend our heartfelt apologies to all of you – we really did try to make this work."
Fans have been reassured the festival will be back next summer and can even keep their ticket to carry over to next year.
Otherwise refunds will be issued soon.
The statement continued: "Please rest assured we will be back next year. Now, more than ever, we need the Download spirit to thrive and offer support to those that need it most.
"We’ll do our best to put together an amazing line up for you in 2021 and can’t wait to see you all then. Thank you, as ever, for your continued support.
"We are working closely with our ticketing partners now and they will be in touch very soon to process your refund, or, if you prefer, you can retain your ticket and carry it over to next year.
"Look out for an e-mail from your ticketing agent very soon and please only contact them if you have not been contacted after five days as they are very busy at this time."
