A MUSIC festival which was set to return to Haddington has been postponed due to coronavirus.

Haddstock was due to feature more than 80 acts at venues throughout the town next month.

However, Rebecca Dover, from the organising team, confirmed that the festival, which was due to take place on May 30, and dates around that day, was now being planned for September.

She said: “NHS predictions are that this will not be over by the end of May and we feel responsible for doing the right thing for our performers, facilitators and the community.”

The festival was launched in 2017 and headlined by Aberfeldy, who previously supported REM at Loch Lomond.

Two-thousand people packed Haddington, with a similar number visiting the town the following year.

Organisers decided to have a year’s break in 2019 with a view to the festival returning in 2020.

Now, despite the issues surrounding coronavirus, the organisers have vowed to ensure Haddington is rocking later in the year.

Rebecca, who lives in the town, said: “Our plan is to move the entire festival, as programmed, to Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, so put it in your diaries.

“We have had a very understanding response from our performers and facilitators regarding the postponement and we look forward to seeing everyone in September.”

The festival promised an expanded programme, featuring not just music.

Family and cultural events, authors and storytelling were all part of the plans, as well as a project with schoolchildren joining together to sing a song in school the day before the festival, before everyone comes together on Haddington’s rugby pitch to perform together.

Headlining the festival, at the rugby club, are Check Masses, DMS and Callum Easter.

The headline performance will be ticketed, with the rest of the festival paid for through donations.