ALL EVENTS at the Sands have been suspended to protect the public from coronavirus following the latest government advice on mass gatherings.

In a statement, GLL, the firm which is Carlisle City Council's leisure facilities provider, said: "Following the latest government advice recommending that the public avoid all unnecessary social gatherings, which included theatres, in partnership with Carlisle City Council we regret to inform you that events at The Sands Centre are temporarily suspended.

"We understand that this news will cause significant disruption and disappointment, however the wellbeing of audiences, staff and communities remains our primary concern.

"We appreciate that customers may have questions about their booking(s), but we would ask you not to contact the Box Office direct whilst we work to re-schedule performances where possible. We will be in contact with customers as soon as possible to provide alternative arrangements.

"We thank you for your patience and for continuing to support the Arts and regional theatres. We look forward to welcoming you back to an event at The Sands Centre again very soon."

Carlisle City Council Leader John Mallinson said the company's announcement was expected.

"It's in line with many others," he said.

"It's really, really, regrettable but it's also the sensible thing to do.

"They are rightly focusing on the safety of the public and indeed their staff.

"There have been things happening this week which would have been unimaginable last week; and next week there will be things happening which will seem unimaginable.

"We're a long way from the worst yet but people are taking sensible steps.

"All we can do is ask everybody to bear with us."