THE plug has been pulled on the Inverclyde Music Festival for 2021, the Tele can reveal.

The cancellation of the much-loved staple in the Inverclyde calendar, which usually sees thousands of young people compete in vocal, instrumental, speech and dance classes, comes as a result of Covid-19.

Only World Wars have previously put a stop to the competition.

Event organisers say they have made the decision early to ensure that they do not face the same fate as Glasgow and Perth, who both had to cut their competitions short after the virus outbreak in March.

Honorary president of the festival, Isabel Lind OBE, is adamant that the event will be back bigger and better in 2022.

She told the Tele: "It is extremely sad but we had to put the safety of our competitors, audience, volunteers and adjudicators first.

"Many of our volunteers are in the shielding category too.

"We thought things may have been alright for Christmas but we do not want to take the risk.

"A few festivals earlier in the year were cancelled halfway through and that's the last thing we'd want to do if this virus continues on the way it is currently.

"It is very strange and the first time this has happened since WW2.

"It will not only be a loss to the community, as so many people get involved and look forward to the event each year, but also the venues that we use - Greenock Town Hall, Beacon Arts Centre and Greenock Baptist Church will feel empty next year."

Next year's festival would have been the 96th annual event and the committee are already thinking ahead of how to bring it back with a bang.

Isabel said: "Inverclyde may be known as a deprived area, but you would never know that seeing children of all ages taking to the stage.

"You would not be able to tell what school is supposedly more deprived than another, as parents and staff make such a huge effort to make sure the children have a memorable and enjoyable time.

"The standard we have in the competition for such a small area is exceptionally high."

Despite the event being shelved, organisers will still award a £750 scholarship to one talented individual.

Anne McGregor, honorary secretary of the festival, pictured with Isabel, said: "Each year we offer a scholarship to a competitor who has contributed over the years in any of the classes.

"The money awarded goes towards helping them advance their musical or drama education - the past two winners have gone on to study at the Royal Conservatoire and used the scholarship to purchase a laptop to advance their studies.

"We will be asking each high school in the area to put forward the name of a pupil who they think deserves it and the committee will decide who it will be awarded to.

"We do not want anyone disadvantaged by the cancellation of the event so we are looking forward to giving the scholarship to a deserving festival contributor."