THE Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair in Dorchester due to take place in September has been postponed until Sunday, June 6 next year.

The event had been due to return to Dorchester for its second year to celebrate the 180th birthday of the literary giant.

Organisers say they look forward to putting on the event in 2021.

Chairman of the Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair Committee Cllr Gareth Jones said: “Having lived through several pandemics, including cholera, typhus and tuberculosis,Thomas Hardy himself would have understood that his birthday celebrations needed to be postponed.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of all our sponsors, partners and community participants. We look forward to working with them in 2021."

He added: “Though we are unable to celebrate Thomas Hardy’s 180th birthday this year, we shall be producing a birthday party video to mark this special occasion on 2nd June."

Look out for it on Facebook - search theThomasHardyVictorianFair.