TWO long-awaited town festivals in southern Oxfordshire were cancelled amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Michaelmas Fair and Runaway Fair, which were due to take place in October, have now been cancelled to prevent the spread of the virus.

Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council Emily Smith confirmed the events were cancelled because of the soaring Covid-19 cases.

The councillor posted on Facebook: "I was impressed with the care for all involved that the councillors expressed and the professional manor in which they made the decision.

ALSO READ: Man charged after man stabbed in attempted murder outside Oxford pub

" It is sad in many ways but given rising Covid-19 cases and the need for the fair provider and businesses in Abingdon to have some certainty, I think this was the right decision."

Abingdon Town Council made the decision that the two annual fairs will not go ahead on Wednesday.

While many Abingdon residents said this is the 'right decision', others pointed out that many other town events across the country have taken place despite the pandemic.

Michaelmas Far, which is well-know as the longest street fair in Europe, was due to take place on the 'Monday and Tuesday falling first before October 11 in the centre of Abingdon-on-Thames: Ock Street, High Street and the Market Place'.

Runaway Fair was scheduled for the week after.