A MAJOR music festival due to take place this year will now be hosted online due to coronavirus fears.

The Great Escape was set to begin on May 12 but will now showcase artists virtually for the first time in the event's history.

Keynote speakers, debates and panels will also feature at The Great Escape Conference.

However, organisers confirmed that the event will take place physically from May 11 -14 in Brighton next year.

A statement on Twitter read: "We can now confirm that The Great Escape 2021 will no longer be taking place in Brighton this year.

READ MORE >> Coronavirus: The Great Escape Brighton cancelled

However, we will be taking The Great Escape online or the first time.

"On May 13-14, you can expect a huge snapshot of the best new artists showcasing their talents.

"TGE ticket holder will be sent a special loyalty discount link to participate in TGE online.

"We will be back next year in real-life on May 11-14nd as usual, you will be able to buy a festival ticket or delegate pass."

Current ticket holders will be able to roll over tickets to next year or request a refund.

It is the second year in a row that the event has had to be cancelled physically.

Last year, organisers scrapped the event, that twenty-one-year-old rapper Aitch was set to headline, due to the coronavirus pandemic.