It’s another sad sign of the times.

The organisers of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival have released a statement explaining the decision to cancel this autumn’s annual event, which traditionally takes place over the October bank holiday weekend.

“As a result of COVID-19 and current Government restrictions on indoor and outdoor activities, with the requirement for physical distancing, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival Committee regrets to confirm the cancellation of this year’s Festival.” said the statement.

“We know that this announcement will be disappointing for music fans, artists, publicans and the wider Cork community but their health and safety is our number one priority. We look forward to bringing back a strong, exciting and memorable Festival in 2021.”

Founded in 1978, The Jazz Festival has been welcoming over 40,000 visitors to Cork each year for 43 years.

Fiona Collins, Chair of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival said, “We regret to confirm the cancellation of this year’s festival to safeguard the health of our visitors, volunteers and the community at large but we look forward to bringing back a strong, exciting and memorable Festival in 2021.”