CARFEST has become the latest casualty of the coronavirus crisis after it was today announced that this year’s festival will be postponed.

The event, founded by presenter Chris Evans, typically takes place over two dates in the summer, with the southern leg hosted near Overton.

In March it was announced that due to the virus outbreak, the two shows would be consolidated into one – CarFest United – to be held at Laverstoke Park over August Bank Holiday weekend.

However, Chris today confirmed that the event has been cancelled altogether.

The festival will instead return to its usually two-show format across July and August of 2021.

Chris has also pleaded with fans to show their support and ‘help save CarFest’ by not requesting a refund.

Tickets that have already been purchased will instead be rolled over to next year’s event, when the holder can redeem them.

A message on the CarFest website read: “Please do not ask us for a refund. Please hold onto your ticket. It will be valid for next year’s dates.

“As you know CarFest is a not for profit operation which has raised over £16m in eight years for BBC Children in Need, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust, Starlight Children's Foundation and Teenage Cancer Trust - we want to continue to do this.

“We have no financial reserves and if CarFest is to continue, we need your support, please.

“We’ve already incurred substantial costs for this year’s events as well as setting aside nearly £1m so far for our charities.

“We will automatically rollover your tickets – so you don’t need to do anything.

“If you support us CarFest will continue, we will all meet again next year for the best 10th birthday party ever and we can raise another £2m for children’s charities!

“Thank you for your ongoing support. Stay safe, stay healthy.”