The biggest summer event in the Nicola Valley has been cancelled because of COVID-19.

Organizers of the Rockin’ River Music Fest in Merritt says it is because of government guidelines around physical distancing. Keith Urban was set to headline this year’s festival along with Jon Pardi, Chris Janson, Travis Tritt, and Randy Houser.

“Our economy of course is very important but the health of residents and our community is paramount, so we’ll be focused on that for the foremost,” Merritt CAO Scott Hildebrand, earlier this month.

Efforts will now be focused on the 2021 edition of the festival which is set to happen between July 29 and August 1.

“We cannot express how thankful we are to all of you for understanding the need to do what is best for the safety of our fans, our artists, our staff, and especially our team of volunteers who have helped make the festival what it is today,” said a statement from the organizers.

“We can’t wait to see you all back at the River in 2021.”

People who had tickets to this year’s festival will be getting an email by April 29 with two options on refunds. While tickets will be refunded if people want, organizers are allowing people to keep their current tickets, including campsites, which will be honoured for the 2021 festival.

“If you are on a payment plan and choose to hold on to your tickets, all payments made to date will count towards your 2021 order and we are extending the payment plan period until October 1st, 2020,” added the statement.