A POPULAR event in the Wensleydale social calendar has fallen victim to the coronavirus.

With the nation facing muted bank holiday VE Day celebrations, organisers of the Leyburn 1940s weekend have taken the decision to cancel the event, which was intended to take place in late July for the 13th time.

Converging on the market town for the two-day festival, thousands of visitors bedecked in gaudy uniforms and period clothing arrive by car, or choose to travel in style by train.

Wensleydale Railway lays on special transport and an omnibus shuttles guests up to town from two cars parks and the railway station.

In a statement on their website, organisers said: “Sadly we have to announce the cancellation of this year’s event.

“We’ve left making this difficult decision for as long as we, reasonably, could but even if the current lockdown is eased in the next few weeks – there’s little hope that mass gatherings will be either permitted or popular for many months to come.

“In the interests of our supporters, re-enactors and traders we’ve ultimately concluded that it’s to best cancel the 2020 Leyburn 1940s weekend.”