Memphis in May postponed for public safety

MEMPHIS — The Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis, Tennessee, have been postponed because of the new coronavirus outbreak.

Memphis in May officials said in a statement Thursday that the two cornerstones of the city’s month-long tourist event have been called off but will be rescheduled for later dates.

The music festival and the barbecue cooking contest are held every year during the Memphis in May celebration in this Mississippi River city.

They attract music fans and barbecue cooking teams from around the world.

Memphis relies heavily on tourism revenue from Memphis in May.