FRANK Turner's Hampshire homecoming gig this week has been cancelled due to the threat of Coronavirus.

The sold out date was due to take place at Winchester Guildhall on Thursday, part of his first solo UK tour since 2011.

But the pop punk troubadour, who hails from Meonstoke near Winchester, and special guests Micah Schnabel and Jess Guise have decided to cancel the remainder of the tour.

Frank said: "My team and I have obviously been following the news like hawks this last week, both at home and abroad, and working day and night to figure out what the best course of action is for upcoming shows. This is super stressful time for everyone, not least in the live music industry, which is facing nothing short of a catastrophe.

"Looking at shows in the UK, it is with extremely heavy heart that I must announce that all shows as of now are not going ahead - Norwich, Winchester, Exeter, Liverpool and Nottingham. It’s not sustainable for us to continue, it doesn’t feel like the right decision, for us or for the audience, so we’re heading home. I know some will be disappointed by this - trust me, Micah, Jess and I are beyond gutted.

"I’m looking into options for some live broadcast shows and fundraising ideas for the parts of the industry that are hardest hit by all this - news when I have it.

"In the meantime, let’s all stay safe and healthy, wash our hands, listen to the advice of medical professionals, and be kind and considerate to our fellow humans in this trying time."

Turner is now one of the biggest names on the rock circuit having played at the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics as well as selling out some of the biggest arenas in the country.

Wessex Boy, his love letter to growing up in Winchester, always goes down a storm at local dates.

A former member of punk rock band Million Dead,Frank has transformed himself into a successful, internationally charting, award-winning singer and songwriter of folk-punk-pop rebel songs.

Drawing comparisons to Billy Bragg and Bruce Springsteen among others, he has released eight studio albums including the latest, No Man's Land.