DOVES have cancelled next year's gig at Delamere Forest due to "mental health issues".

The Manchester trio were scheduled to perform at the Cheshire beauty spot on June 19, 2022 as part Forestry England's Forest Live concert series.

However, in a statement, the band said that "performing live isn't possible for us at this time or for the immediate future" due to mental health issues.

In a separate statement, band member Jimi Goodwin confirmed that he had taken the decision to "bow out", adding that while no one should apologise for issues with their mental health, he wanted to say sorry to those who had bought tickets for the gig.

A Forestry England spokesperson said: "We are sorry to announce that Doves have had to cancel their Delamere Forest concert scheduled to take place on Sunday 19 June 2022 as part of our Forest Live concert series.

"Customers for this performance will be contacted by their point of purchase to arrange a refund. Unfortunately, the concert cannot be rescheduled so Forestry England will be securing a new headline artist for this Forest Live date.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and our thoughts are with the band at this difficult time."

The band issued the following statement: "We are gutted to have to say that all upcoming Doves live dates have to be cancelled. Our sincere apologies go out to everyone who has bought tickets, it’s news that we are finding incredibly difficult to put into words, knowing none will lessen your disappointment.

"Honestly, we feel it too. We have to take each other’s welfare as seriously as the music and, sadly, mental health issues simply mean that performing live isn’t possible for us at this time or for the immediate future."

In a separate statement, Jimi Goodwin added: "I am unfortunately unable to commit to forthcoming Doves live dates, meaning they have to be cancelled. My decision to bow out, is believe me, not something I’ve taken lightly.

"One should never apologise for having issues with their mental health, but I do want to say ‘sorry’ to all that have bought tickets.

"I’m truly grateful for the patience, love and understanding of my brothers Andy, Jez and Rebelski. I’m also incredibly grateful for the support, love and appreciation folks have shown for Doves’ music over the years.

"The reception ‘The Universal Want’ received, our first LP in eleven years, left us immensely proud. What fantastic affirmation of Jez, Andy and I. Sunshine in these tumultuous times. Thank you."