News on the delay comes following a statement made by Phan Ngoc Tho, chairman of Thua Thien-Hue administration on July 31, who had previously stated that the biennial event would be pushed back until next year if the epidemic remained out of control.

The organisers of the event therefore apologised to sponsors, embassies, travel agencies, local people, and tourists for the postponement of the occasion and expressed their hope that they would be welcome in 2021.

The latest postponement marks the third time that the Hue Festival 2020 has been adjusted following the two previous scheduled dates of April 1 and August 26 also being delayed, with all cancellation relating to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The festival is an event that is held biennially with the aim of bringing a new and unique experience that truly showcases Hue’s traditional culture, history, and art to people from across the world.

The occasion also includes a series of features, including street carnivals, a showcase of Ao Dai, the nation’s traditional dress, a number of international food festivals, along with a range of vibrant art performances.

In addition, foreign groups and numerous domestic art troupes from across the country had registered to participate in the festival, with audiences set to be wowed by their performances during the event.