ORGANISERS of a cancelled motorcycle festival have pledged to be back with a 'bang' next year.

Llangollen Motorcycle Festival - LlanBikeFest – has been cancelled for 2020 because of Covid-19, but organisers are already planning for it to be back in 2021.

Billed as Wales’ premier motorcycle festival on August 1 and 2, the event was expected to attract thousands of enthusiasts in its sixth year.

But with Wales still off limits for visiting bikers, it’s uncertain restrictions will be lifted by then. Traders and people who have already booked online are being given full refunds.

Event Manager Deb Rogers said: "LlanBikeFest has grown and grown since we started in 2015 as a festival for everyone who loves bikes, run by people who love bikes. Its success is driven by the hard work of dozens of supporters and volunteers, as well traders, exhibitors and the public.

"There is such goodwill towards LlanBikeFest that we are confident we will bounce back better than ever next year."

On May 29, organisers took to social media to express their sadness of the decision to cancel the festival.

The post read: "We have been carefully monitoring the development of The Covid-19 situation and in light of today’s announcement by The Welsh Government, taking into account the slow measures being set in place to allow society to move forward and the unlikely reality of large gatherings being allowed in the near future, it is our considered opinion that we will be unable to hold The Festival, let alone run it ensuring the safety of all those on site, whether they be Visitors, Traders, Exhibitors or Staff.

"We have explored the possibility of applying social distancing, but have reluctantly had to accept that it would be too restrictive and would prevent us providing the visitor experience that our loyal supporters are used to. Please be assured that this decision has not been taken lightly, but the health and wellbeing of everyone is more important than an event.

"We thank you for your continued support and patience, and will be in touch in due course regarding our plans for 2021.

"Stay safe and we all wish you well in the months to come."

More information can be found online at www.llanbikefest.co.uk.