New dates have been announced for this year's Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival due to the coronavirus outbreak.

They are the weekend of September 12 to 13, subject to government advice nearer the time.

The festival, held at Weymouth harbourside and now in its 13th year, was due to be held in July and was expected to draw in 60,000 visitors over the weekend.

Organisers of the festival, the largest of its kind in the UK, said that because of 'uncertainty over the coming weeks and months' they feel it's better to make a decision now.

"Visitors and partners can concentrate fully on staying safe, and can begin preparing for a spectacular celebration of all things seafood later in the year," a spokesman said.

It is hoped that a September festival can play an important role in a much-needed comeback for the tourism industry in Weymouth and Dorset.

This year's event will have an emphasis on hand-dived scallops. Lyme Bay is one of the largest protected areas in British waters, and the festival hopes to unlock some of its secrets.

Festival organisers say scallops are a 'true seafood treasure and diver-caught scallops should be the go-to option for all seafood lovers', and so chefs will be showcasing the best of the product, from preparation to searing.

Visitors will be able to enjoy Nyetimber’s award-winning English sparkling wines, learn from top chefs with stage demonstrations and sample sustainable seafood.

Sales director Laura Avant said: “We are welcoming many of our regular stand holders who will be joined by some exciting new additions. We do look in detail at the menus on offer to ensure the Festival’s sustainability rules are adhered to

The festival will continue to raise funds for the Fishermen’s Mission, a charity that provides vital assistance to fishermen and their families in times of difficulty.

It has also announced a further year’s support from title sponsor and English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber. The festival says it is a 'champion of excellence', and therefore this award-winning English sparkling wine is 'a perfect fit.'

Nyetimber has been creating English sparkling wine for more than 30 years across the south of England.

People are urged to keep an eye on the festival’s social media channels and at www.dorsetseafood.co.uk for further updates.