It has just been announced that this year's Courtyard panto will be postponed until 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The family pantomime is a fixture on the Herefordshire calendar and last year attracted more than 22,000 people over its run.

This year the venue, which produces, writes and directs its professional annual pantomimes in-house with a team that has been together for over 10 years, was staging Jack and the Beanstalk.

The show, due to run from November 27 to January 9, has been pushed back to 2021 due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic.

Ian Archer, chief executive of The Courtyard and pantomime producer, said: “We always hear from our audiences that it is not Christmas without panto, so we were adamant we would continue, to give back to our community with some light-hearted escapism.

"But with the increase in cases, set to worsen over the winter period, and the threat of local lockdowns, we simply couldn’t risk it – for The Courtyard or our community.

"What matters above all else is that everyone stays safe and well.

“With the continued support of the fantastic people of Herefordshire, we will be back bigger, better, and bolder than ever next year.

"Our entire team can’t wait to get this larger than life show off the ground; to bring together family, friends and communities once again for a long-awaited and much-needed dose of festive fun and laughter!”

Customers can take advantage of 15 per cent off tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk, now in 2021-22, with discount code GIANTSAVING if booked in 2020.

“This extra incentive will not only give people something to look forward to,” Ian Archer added, “but will also give us the much-needed support that will be vital for The Courtyard’s survival going forward.”

All customers who had purchased pantomime tickets will be automatically moved to the equivalent date next year and notified.

The venue politely asks that customers remain patient and do not attempt to contact the box office as there are no staff on site at this time to answer calls.

More information and tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk can be found online at courtyard.org.uk.