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Popular annual parallel film, media and music festivals in Austin, Texas, have been cancelled by the city authorities, the organisers say.

The SXSW (South by Southwest) and SXSW EDU events had been scheduled for later in March.

"We are devastated to share this news with you. 'The show must go on' is in our DNA, and this is the first time in 34 years that the March event will not take place," the organisers said in a statement.

"We are now working through the ramifications of this unprecedented situation."