A MAJOR music festival has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Great Escape was set to begin in Brighton on May 13.

Twenty-year-old rapper Aitch was set to headline the festival.

But the event has now been called off days after other major events in the city were cancelled.

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“We’ve not taken this decision lightly,” said a Great Escape spokesman.

“Taking into account that we are only a few weeks out from the event, and the current status of things, this was the best decision for fans, artists, staf, and the community.

“The entire Great Escape family is so disappointed to have to make this decision.”

Ticketholders can ask for refunds or carry over their ticket to next year’s festival.

Last week Brighton Festival was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile Brighton Fringe was postponed until September.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal.  Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund