THE drive-in gig set to take place in Wimborne this weekend has been cancelled.

Mark Kyps, of My Kyps Live Music, arranged the gig in Julians Road, Wimborne, but has had to cancel due to “continued increases in restrictions”.

In a statement, Mr Kyps said: “It is with great regret that we must announce the Mr Kyps Wimborne Drive In Festival, due to take place over the coming August bank holiday weekend, has had to be cancelled.

“Although our event was completely compliant with Covid health and safety restrictions, continued increases in restrictions have meant that the event is no longer financially viable for us to continue to run the event.

“Mr Kyps has organised over 40 outdoor festivals over the past twenty years, so we understand more than most, these events are not always profitable and are often done for the pure love of bringing live music to an audience.

“Unfortunately on this occasion the level of loss in finances we would now incur by running this event is far too great, especially at a time when the nation is approaching an economic decline and our industry especially is not set to return to normal for some time.

“At this time we have to protect our brand and ensure that Mr Kyps survives the Covid-19 pandemic.

“With no opportunity to run events at any of our indoor venues for some time and restrictions on running outdoor events, which may have allowed us to support finances for our drive in festival, we can see no other option but to cancel.

“We apologise for any sadness this may cause to current ticket holders who will be refunded by our ticket vendor SeeTickets with immediate effect.

“For now, the Mr Kyps team will return to the drawing board and unfortunately Covid-19 wins another round against the live music and entertainments industry.”

Mr Kyps initially said the festival was about getting his brand back out there since the pandemic.

RU40, Abba Fever, Ratrace and Laurence Jones were all set to perform at the event.

Earlier this month he told the Daily Echo: ““If this goes as well as I know it is going to, I can take my brand all over the country.

“I am really excited about it.”