The festival's organisers said in a statement that a "modified, community-focussed outdoor event is being planned to replace the packed, mostly indoor-focussed three-day program" which had been due to take place in venues in Scone and across the Upper Hunter Shire.

The Scone Literary Festival (SLF) Committee said hopes to stage the planned, full three-day festival on the second weekend of November later in 2022.

"There is no doubt that people are very cautious about attending events where there is a large gathering of people particularly inside," said Janie Jordan, SLF President.

"This has been a very difficult decision, incredibly disappointing, but we do need to consider the welfare of everyone who is involved and attends our beloved, 'big, little' festival. We needed to feel confident that we could run a successful and safe event.

"While we're in the very early planning stages of our modified event it will be focussed on what we do best - celebrating the love of words and enjoying great conversation stimulated by great talks by great authors."

In a statement announcing the decision, the SLF Committee said the Picnic in the Park event at Murrurundi, featuring Hunter author Paula Beavan, is likely to go ahead on Sunday, March 13.

The committee also said there was a "high likelihood" the popular Bush Poets' Breakfast will also be part of the modified program.

The festival's two writing competitions, the Farmers Short Story Writing competition and 'Write Up' for high school students in the Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook LGAs, will proceed as planned.

The SLF Committee said more details regarding the modified, community event for the weekend of March 11-13 will be announced shortly.