ORGANISERS of the inaugural Maroon's at Gala sporting and music festival have pencilled in next April for the kick off.

As many as 1200 rugby and football players as well as athletes were due to take to the sporting fields of Netherdale next month for a revamped and extended version of Gala 7s.

Several local musical groups and performers were also lined up for the bumper weekend.

An expected postponement was announced in the middle of last week in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

But on Friday the committee agreed to drop all plans for rescheduling later this year and concentrate on hosting the first Maroon'd at Gala in 2021.

Ian Dalgleish, president of Gala RFC, said: "Given the growing uncertainty about the duration of restrictions put in place due to COVID-19, coupled with the likely limited timeframe to deliver an event of the quality we aspire to later this year, it is with reluctance that we have decided to postpone Maroon’d at Gala until April 2021.

“We have been really encouraged by the support and enthusiasm from the local community and further afield for Maroon’d at Gala, and although this is a huge disappointment, we have to consider what’s most important at this time."

Organisers have pencilled in Saturday, April 17, 2021 for hosting the first Maroon'd at Gala.

Mr Dalgleish added: "We look forward to working together to deliver a great event.

"In the meantime, please continue to follow government advice, look out for one another and stay safe.”