Despite the usual joy St Patrick's Day brings, the festival committee met on Tuesday evening and made the disheartening decision.

However, Koroit Irish Festival president Adele MacDonald is choosing to keep a positive spirit about the cancellation.

"In the end, it wasn't a hard decision with everything going on which made is easier for the committee," she said.

"The decision was really taken away from us as the health and safety of our patrons, community and performers is so important.

"Next year will go off with a bang, we'll leave the events of 2020 behind and celebrate like no Irish person has done before."

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Koroit captured the hearts of Australia when it was featured on the ABC's Back Roads in January.

The program did wonders for the Irish festival; doubling ticket sales compared to the same time last year.

"The program was an enormous hit and has done our town wonders," Mrs MacDonald said.

"There's been a huge influx of people coming in and the town has benefited greatly.

"People had seen Back Roads and emailed us saying how much they loved it and couldn't wait to come to the festival."

The news broke to ticket holders and the wider festival community on Tuesday evening through a newsletter.

"It is with a heavy heart that we greet you on this most Irish of days," the email read.

"Our hard-working committee has made the decision to cancel the 2020 Koroit Irish Festival.

"While we love our festival with all our heart, we love our people, all of you who are part of our Koroit Irish Festival family, even more, and we want everyone to be safe.

"Now needs to be a time where we pull together and help each other get through what may be one of the most extraordinary times in the history of the world."

Revellers who had purchased their tickets will be able to get a refund or they have the option to carry forward the tickets to the 2021 event. The same goes for camping tickets.

The date has been set for April 30-May 2, 2021 with the committee assuring the event will be back, bigger and better than ever before.

Mrs MacDonald has received positive feedback about the cancellation.

"We're thankful for everyone's support and understanding," she said.

"We hope people stay safe and healthy and mark the 2021 event in their diaries."

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