Download and Isle of Wight are the latest music festivals to announce their 2020 cancellations

Download and Isle of Wight are the latest festivals to announce their cancellations for 2020 due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic.

The UK's premier rock festival Download was due to be headlined by Kiss, Iron Maiden and System of a Down across June 12-14.

"We’ve been closely monitoring this unprecedented situation and it’s become clear that it just isn’t possible for the 2020 festival to go ahead," festival organisers confirmed on social media. "This decision hasn’t been taken lightly and we’re beyond disappointed, we extend our heartfelt apologies to all of you." 

Download 2020 will not be going ahead, read the full statement here. pic.twitter.com/zyMSk91iMu

— Download Festival (@DownloadFest) March 26, 2020

The festival has said that it will return in 2021, promising to "do our best to put together an amazing line up for you" next year.

Meanwhile Isle of Wight Festival will also not commence in 2020 for a nineteenth consecutive year and was due to be headlined by Lionel Richie, Lewis Capaldi, Snow Patrol, The Chemical Brothers and Duran Duran on June 11-14.

Festival organisers say they'll "be back stronger than ever".

IOW announced: "The Isle of Wight Festival will no longer be taking place this year. This decision hasn't been taken lightly and we have tried our hardest to make it work, but it was unavoidable given the current status. The whole team was excited to welcome everyone to the island for another fantastic festival and we extend our sincere apologies to everyone who was looking forward to it as much as we were."

Isle of Wight Festival 2020 Statement pic.twitter.com/sn8lTj5NHp

— Isle of Wight Fest (@IsleOfWightFest) March 26, 2020

Tickets can be refunded or carried over to next year for both festivals. Ticketing partners for both festivals will be in touch within the next five days.