The world famous Oktoberfest has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Millions were expected to flock to Munich to take part in the world's biggest folk festival between September 19 and October 4.
But now the authorities in Bavaria have confirmed there's no way to organise an event on that scale given the current uncertainty.
It's a clear sign that the disruption caused by the pandemic will extend well beyond the coming weeks, even if lockdowns are eased.
Oktoberfest attracts tourism from the North East, with Newcastle Airport announcing direct flights to the German city with Lufthansa last June.
According to German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, Bavaria state premier Markus Söder confirmed to journalists the event would need to be cancelled.
He said: "Based on the current situation, I can not imagine that such a large event would even be possible at that time."
Munich's lord mayor Dieter Reiter said on Tuesday : "We have about two million foreign visitors, we have a beer festival where people sit close together."
Plans for a Oktoberfest event in Newcastle have yet to be announced. They have previously been held in Times Square and at Leazes Park.
However, there are plans for a smaller event at Tyne Bank brewer y in Walker, according to the business' website.
