Organisers of the annual Download Festival were heartbroken as they were forced to cancel the 2021 edition of the music festival due to the threats posed by COVID-19.

The rock and metal event billed to hold from 4 to 6 June, has now been cancelled for the second year after the 40th edition was called off last year due to the deadly virus.

According to the statement released by the organisers, all efforts to make the festival hold this year did not come to actualisation.

The statement said:

“We never gave up hope of bringing the festival back to Donington this June and have been working so hard behind the scenes to make that happen – but we now know it’s not possible.

“We’re heartbroken for everyone in the Download family, from artists to suppliers and of course, our passionate Download fans.

“We want to thank the NHS for rolling out the vaccine, as well as thanking you all for your patience and for keeping the spirit of Download alive until we can be together again.”

We’re sorry to announce that Download 2021 will no longer be taking place. Please read the full statement below.

Download will return stronger than ever 10th – 12th June 2022 with headliners @kiss, @IronMaiden and @BiffyClyro. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/eQ3xb0Djke

— Download Festival (@DownloadFest) March 1, 2021

It continued:

“You are very welcome to retain your ticket and carry it over to next year.

“Alternatively, you can receive a refund from your ticket agent. Horns up, we will see you in 2022.”

Festival organisers have now moved the event to 2020 which will kick off from June 10 to June 12 but tickets will still go on sale on March 5 2021.