The promoter of one of the county's biggest music events, which has been postponed until next year, is asking customers to hold onto their tickets rather than ask for a refund.

Earlier this week organiser of the Rochester Castle Concerts – AGMP – announced the three-day event was being rescheduled to 2021 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

AGMP took over the running of the event from Medway Council after the authority made "unsustainable" losses on it over the decade.

In a media release the promoter said: "The live music sector, like many, are facing exceptional financial difficulties through the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, with all public events on lockdown and ticket sales understandably at a standstill.

"While lockdown restrictions are starting to ease and businesses are starting to rebuild, music venues and promoters from all around the world are battling to maintain operations and keep their staff on payroll, with the assumption that live events will not be in operation again until much later this year, potentially with further difficult restrictions and costs.

"The industry’s workforce is heavily populated by freelancers. Despite government support, many of this workforce have been forced into unemployment during what is usually their busiest time of year.

"AGMP, like many others, are doing all they can to support their teams of artists, self-employed/freelance workers, suppliers and their employed staff who were involved in the creation and planning of their live events and festivals and reliant on the income they provide.

"If you hold a ticket for one of our postponed shows, or any concert or event rescheduled due to the lockdown and can afford to do so - please consider retaining your ticket and not claiming a refund.

"If you hold a ticket for one of our postponed shows, or any concert or event rescheduled due to the lockdown and can afford to do so, please consider retaining your ticket and not claiming a refund.

"This will help venues maintain operations and provide some assistance to those associated with the creation, promotion, production and management of future live concert tours.

"However, we understand that many of you have also been financially affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and for those who are seeking a refund please contact your point of purchase."

This year Jools Holland, The Libertines, The Jacksons and original members of UB40 were lined up to perform.

However, for next year's rescheduled event Jools Holland won't be appearing, after a date couldn't be found "which worked for all" parties, with the company adding full refunds will be made for ticket holders to this concert by contacting your point of purchase.

The announcement comes after months of uncertainty over whether the concerts would go ahead and what would happen with people's money.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway