Organisers of this year's Falmouth Oyster Festival have said it will not go ahead this year but bigger plans for 2022 are underway

They said the decision was based on the practicality of knowing so late in the year about Covid requirements, and the current high levels of Covid in Cornwall now.

After considering the risks and the very social nature of the event, the organisers said they felt that it would be best to not produce an "average event" this year and to focus energies on developing a significant return in 2022.

The Falmouth Oyster Festival began in 1996 and celebrates the start of the oyster season, which runs from October to March and has become a must for all oyster, seafood, and maritime heritage enthusiasts.

With an ever-expanding range of Cornish food and drink on offer, the festival has gathered a loyal following who gather to celebrate this unique local heritage.

Mike Rangecroft, the festival’s honorary chairman, said: “We understand that cancellation of this event for another year will be disappointing for residents, visitors and our traders, but we feel this is a responsible decision and we all look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.”

Organisers said that a great number of partners, sponsors, local chefs, and Oyster Fisherman were "an integral part" of the festival and key contributors to its ongoing popularity.

The directors of Discovery Quay Square Limited said: “We’re very disappointed that the Oyster Festival isn’t going ahead as planned this year. It is such a wonderful part of Falmouth’s annual calendar of events.

"We’re already looking forward to working with Falmouth Events to make next year’s event better than ever.”

Long-term supporters and sponsors of the festival, St Michaels Resort added: "We share in everyone’s disappointment in the need to postpone the wonderful Falmouth Oyster Festival again this year but understand the need to keep all those involved and all members of the public safe.

"We look forward to helping ensure the festival comes back in style in 2022 and cements itself again at the heart of the Falmouth events calendar.”

The 2022 festival will take place from Thursday, October 13 to Sunday October 16, 2022. Plans are already being developed to deliver a bigger and better celebration in 2022, details of which will be launched in due course via the festival’s new website www.falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk