ONE of Cornwall's most popular new music venues has announced that it is cancelling all its pre-Christmas gigs because of the rising threat from the Omicron virus.

Based in the old bank in Church Street, The Cornish Bank, in Falmouth's ''Bohemian quarter" (according to The Guardian), posted on Facebook last night that it had looked at all the numbers and it seemed that gigs were out as they didn't want to overburden the NHS.

Posting on Facebook they said: "Dear friends of the Cornish Bank it seems this pandemic won't go quietly. We are having to move very quickly to keep on the right side of it.

"Having looked at the numbers it seems almost inevitable that the NHS after years of underfunding will become overwhelmed even though current Covid admissions are low. Our audience is all ages so we just can’t risk it.

"The hospitals are nearly full and totally understaffed! So with a heavy heart and empty pockets we have decided to cancel all our pre Christmas gigs. Its a tough time for everyone, but we shall be making the most of it."

However they are turning the bank into a massive Christmas shop, market and food hall with few numbers. People are asked to have a test and wear masks. All ticket holders will be emailed about refunds for the gigs.

The announcement comes as many in the hospitality industry face an increasingly bleak Christmas season as the uncertainty over the Omicron variant of the virus continues to rise.