THE Party at the Place festival has been cancelled for 2020, amid ongoing restrictions to about public gatherings in Scotland.

Organisers have confirmed the event will return next year; however, with ticket holders able to obtain a refund or to roll their purchase over into 2021.

This year's event - due to take place in August - was due to feature Manic Street Preachers, The Snuts Hot Dub Time Machine and dozens more acts.

Earlier this year, organisers for Party at the Palace (PATP) also announced that it would not go through with its sister festival in Perth which was due to take place in June.

The news also comes days after TRNSMT and Belladrum also made the decision to cancel.

A statement from PATP organisers read: "It is with a very heavy heart that we have to confirm that Party at The Palace 2020 will be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Our priority has always been ensuring that Party at The Palace is a safe, family-friendly event and sadly this can’t be guaranteed under the current restrictions.

"We had hoped that the situation would improve and allow the event to continue; however, this hasn’t happened."

It added: "In writing this, we appreciate that music festivals are not a priority at present and we sincerely hope that you all stay safe. When the time comes, we can come together for a proper, well-deserved party.

"Finally, thank you for continuing to support Party at The Palace. We are grateful to all our customers, our suppliers and all of the acts and bands for the support shown to us."

PATP chiefs say tickets will "automatically transfers" to Party at The Palace 2021, to be held on August 7-8. They add that by committing to the 2021 festival, customers are "supporting an independent festival and help ensure that we can return next year".

Importantly, a deadline has been set on obtaining a refund.

The commitment went on: "We would guarantee no price increase and you would also retain your booking fee in full. Similarly, there will be no price reduction from the current ticket price so you will not lose out. Our heartfelt thanks to all that are able and willing to retain their tickets for next year. While we cannot confirm the lineup, expect it to be of the same standard as we have delivered in the previous six years."

Those who cannot make the dates next year can request a refund on your 2020 ticket by contacting their point of purchase directly.

Organisers added: "We please ask for patience on these refund requests as this is obviously an exceptional situation. Many companies are either working with a skeleton staff or closed completely so it may take considerable time to manage all the administration.

"All refund requests must be received by Friday, May 15, 2020. Beyond that, your purchase will automatically carry over to 2021."