AN annual beer and cider festival in Kidderminster has been cancelled this year as new coronavirus rules mean it wouldn't be able to make enough money to cover costs.

Wyre Forest CAMRA has been forced to cancel its beer festival which was scheduled to take place at Kidderminster Town Hall from November 5 to November 7.

Festival organiser Rob Budworth said: "In order to follow government guidelines and protect the health of drinkers and volunteers, we would not be able to run the festival at a financial break-even level.

"It takes several months to organise this event, with beers, ciders, volunteers, sponsors, advertising, catering, entertainment and so on – and the current situation is too unpredictable.”

He added: "We have postponed the festival until 2021. The town hall is booked for November 4 to November 6, 2021 and we will be working towards a brighter future.”

In response to Covid-19 restrictions, CAMRA events have switched to online. The local branch has been holding its members' get-togethers via Zoom on the first Tuesday of each month.

Even this year's major national event, the Great British Beer Festival, normally held in London, was held virtually, with participants ordering a selection of drinks in advance and taking part in live beer tastings, talks, Q&A sessions and a pub quiz.