WINCHESTER’S first TEDx ideas conference has become one of the casualties of the coronavirus crisis.

Organisers have postponed this month’s event “with a heavy heart” and are looking for a suitable new date.

TEDx events are locally-organised offshoots of the main TED (technology, entertainment and design) conferences and have inspired millions of people around the world.

TEDxWinchester was to have taken place on March 25 and been one of the first events at Winchester University’s West Downs Quarter.

Speakers were to have included Amanda McKenna, founder of the UK’s largest independent digital agency, and Eddie Owusu, former Team GB basketball coach.

A statement from the organisers said: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce we have decided to postpone TEDxWinchester until a future date.

“With the global situation with COVID19 continuing to evolve, more and more businesses are restricting their staff attending events, and practical steps for personal safety have increased. It is clear we need to move our event.

“We are looking for a future date and will confirm this as soon as possible. All tickets purchased will be valid for the rescheduled event and we are therefore certain of another sell out.

“Our team, our amazing speakers and our partners, the University of Winchester, Workshop Winchester, Winchester City Council and Winchester BID, have done so much work to prepare. We are incredibly confident we will deliver a great experience when our time comes.”

TEDx Winchester is one of a host of events put on hold because of the coronavirus outbreak. The government has urged everyone to avoid non-essential travel and social contact.

The next Creative X event, organised by website developer Steadfast Collective for creatives and business owners, has also been postponed.

It was due to take place in Southampton on March 26.

Pete Heslop of Steadfast Collective said: “The health and safety of our fellow business owners, creatives and guests is of the upmost importance to us and, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we feel that we should move the event back to a later date to help minimise further transmission.

“At this stage, we are watching and waiting to see how things pan out and will let everyone know an alternative date, once confirmed.”