THIS year's bluedot Festival has been postponed to July 2021 – with headliners Bjork, Metronomy and Groove Armada all remaining on the bill.

Organisers have confirmed that the event, at Jodrell Bank, will now take place on July 22 to 25, 2021, due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus.

Many other artists and speakers from this year's line-up are also set to join the headliners at next year's event.

Tickets already purchased will be valid for next year’s festival or alternatively full refunds will be available.

In a statement issued today, April 17, the organisers said: “It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we are announcing the postponement of bluedot to July 22 to 25, 2021.

“Our teams have been working with partners and authorities to assess the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the festival. Although bluedot may still seem some time away, the virus and its associated effects are unlikely to ease for some months and it is important to us that any additional or unnecessary strain on medical services is avoided.

"This decision has been a necessary but difficult one to make as it affects not only our wonderful bluedot family of festival-goers and staff but also a large number of artists, performers, speakers, suppliers, traders and freelancers, many of whom have been hit hard during this period. Within our limited means, we will continue to do everything we can to support them and the wider sector during these difficult times.

“If you are unable to join us on our new dates, you will be entitled to a refund for your ticket and any extras, including boutique camping. Please be patient with refund requests as ticket outlets are naturally working through a higher than normal number of enquiries. If you are able to keep hold of your ticket, we would ask that you do – as an independent festival, your support will allow us to navigate this difficult period.

“We have grown to be a strong community over the last four years of bluedot and we are proud to be able to host such an incredible gathering. We will return to celebrate the 5th edition of bluedot with you all and look forward to it being even more spectacular for the wait.

“Stay safe for now and we will see you all beneath the telescope again when the time is right."

Ticketholders will shortly receive an e-mail from their ticket provider with an update on their booking.

For more information see discoverthebluedot.com