Alderney Week will be back bigger and better next year, organisers have said

But organisers have pledged to try and distil the spirit of the island festival into a social media event this summer.

The popular event, which takes place in the first week of August, was cancelled yesterday.

Team leader Ronnie Cairnduff said it had been a difficult decision.

'This would have been the 72nd year,' he said.

'So this is the first cancellation in 71 years.'

He said the situation with coronavirus had left them with no choice. They had delayed the decision in the hope rules might be relaxed. But Mr Cairnduff said it was clear that even if the restrictions were reduced, the public would still be cautious about large events.

'There is nothing we can do about,' he said.

'The main issue is to do with flights, with Aurigny offering no non-essential flights until the end of August... The other big consideration is the feeling around the island about gatherings. It will be a long time before people have confidence to attend big events.'

There have been no cases of coronavirus in Alderney.

Planning for the event started last year and most things were in place and booked before Christmas. Mr Cairnduff said they had put down deposits, but they had managed to contact people about these. The event had also started its fundraising for this year, so it is not in a bad financial position for next year.

However he was concerned about how the cancellation would impact the wider Alderney economy. The week attracts hundreds of people to the island each summer, who stay in tourist accommodation and spend money in local shops.

He has pledged that the festival will return.

'We hope it will be bigger and better next year,' he said.

'On one hand it is a relief that we know where we are so we can look at other ideas and plan for next year.'

However, for people who cannot wait that long, the organisers are ensuring that people get their Alderney Week fix.

Plans are still being drawn up, but it is proposed that competitions are held on social media and Zoom.

The Alderney Week archives will also be cracked up, with a chance for people to see pictures from past events.

Mr Cairnduff said the committee had quickly taken to meeting remotely using technology.

He has been involved with the event for nearly 50 years and said it was so special because it was focussed around what made Alderney special.

More details of this year's plans will be published soon.