What Herefordshire's biggest events say about going ahead

With uncertainty over the level of restrictions this summer, despite the Government's roadmap suggestion all could be lifted by mid-June, events such as Beer on the Wye and the Bromyard Gala have all pulled plans for 2021.

Hereford Food Festival

The popular Hereford Food Festival says it will go ahead later this year and have dubbed the event as its comeback.

Organisers have pushed the date of the festival, held at Hereford Racecourse, back to August 28 and 29, having originally planned for June.

They said: "We will be trying to make the event as normal as possible, with limited reminders of Covid so everyone can enjoy a weekend of escapism from the last 18 months.

"Of course we will be following any guidelines from the Government which are in place at that time."

The festival aims to showcase the finest local and national food with vendors serving everything from Italian pasta to cream teas.

Beer on the Wye

The annual beer festival held in Hereford has been cancelled for a second year due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, but plans are being discussed for an alternative event.

Organisers of the Beer on the Wye festival, which was set to take place on three days from July 9, said they were bitterly disappointed to cancel the 16th event again.

Normally more than 6,000 people would head to the popular three-day event held in a giant marquee adjacent the city’s rowing club, but with uncertainty over the level of restrictions in place this summer, organisers Herefordshire Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) were forced into a decision.

Chair of the festival’s organising committee Mark Haslam said: “This outcome is bitterly disappointing for us, especially as a lot of effort had been expended in the genuine hope of avoiding this outcome.

"However, with there being no guarantee that Covid restrictions won’t still be in place over the weekend of the festival, regrettably our hand was ultimately forced.

"There is no way of making the festival work with any restrictions in place due to its compact site and the large crowds that attend.

"Moreover, with the likelihood that not all the adult population will have been vaccinated by then, means we would be placing festival-goers and our volunteer staff at unnecessary risk. To do this would be irresponsible.”

On a more positive note, Mr Haslam said their attention now turns to an alternative event in 2021, which could see a range of city pubs come together to take part in some sort of event this summer.

Bromyard Gala

A statement from the Bromyard Gala committee, held a mile outside the town at Avenbury, said its duty of care to everyone involved meant cancelled the event for a second year was its only option.

With uncertainty over restrictions in June, when the Gala was scheduled to take place, the committee said in January: "It is with a heavy heart that we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Bromyard Gala.

"The working committee feels the duty of care it has for the public, exhibitors, volunteers and committee members is of the upmost importance and sadly, there was no alternative but to cancel.

"We must support the national effort during this pandemic and not risk putting any further strain on services. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our next show, which will be held on June 25 and 26.

"Cancelling the show for this year does allow additional time to prepare for 2022 show and many ambitious plans are already in the pipeline.

Herefordshire Country Fair

The annual country fair at the Whitfield Estate, which in 2021 would have been celebrating its 43rd year, has also been cancelled.

Show director Jayne Porchester said it would be virtually impossible to organise the event over the next 20 weeks, as by this point in the year they would normally have all trade stands and marquees booked, and most acts "nailed down".

With uncertainty over social distancing measures in place in August, when the event was meant to go ahead, it was not viable to go ahead in 2021.

Hay Festival

Hay Festival has revealed plans for its 34th spring edition, and for the second year in a row it will be online.

Organisers are planning on bringing writers and readers together in hundreds of free interactive online broadcasts live from Hay-on-Wye to the world, between May 26 and June 6.

While the full programme will not be announced until the end of April, the festival is planning an inspiring array of conversations, debates, workshops and performances online, kicking off with the inaugural Hay Festival opening night gala on Wednesday, May 26 in which award-winning writers join performers from stage and screen for an evening of literary fun and inspiration.

Over the 11 days that follow, more than 200 acclaimed writers, global policy makers, historians, poets, pioneers and innovators will take part, launching the best new fiction and non-fiction.

The festival will interrogate some of the biggest issues of our time, from building a better world post-pandemic to tackling the compound crises of climate change, inequality, and challenges to truth and democracy.

Christopher Bone, publicity director at Hay Festival said: “The support for Hay Festival over the past year has been overwhelming, with our shared trust in writers and their stories carrying us all through.

"Our digital events have brought some of the most exciting writers and thinkers of our time to millions worldwide and we will continue to meet this need for conversation and connection, safely and responsibly, with an innovative spring programme to offer hope, inspiration and entertainment.

"While it won’t be possible to do this with the usual crowds of book lovers joining us in person, we will once more reimagine the world together online. Please join us.”

Nozstock

The Bromyard-based festival has vowed to return this year is almost sold out after meeting unprecedented demand for tickets, but only if it's safe to do so.

Nozstock The Hidden Valley is hoping to return for its 22nd season this summer after cancelling last year's festival due to coronavirus.

Headliners re-confirmed for the July festival include Sister Sledge, Bill Bailey, Andy C ft. Tonn Piper, Calyx and Teebee w/ LX One, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Submotion Orchestra, Ibibio Sound Machine and hundreds more across the spectacular and intimate weekend

Last year’s fallow summer was the first time Nozstock has not taken place, with the entire UK festival season postponed. It has been a long and difficult last 12 months, with everyone impacted by the pandemic in some way.

But, since the Government unveiled its road map news and timeline, the team is thrilled to announce they are coming back from July 22 to 25 this year, but organiser Ella Nosworthy urged caution.

"We understand however that things are by no means certain," she said.

"We are committed to going ahead, but only if it’s safe to do so.

"We will remain cautiously optimistic, keep watching how the situation unfolds and keep every finger and toe crossed that we have the summer we have all been waiting for."

Lakefest

Set in the sublimely picturesque Eastnor Castle Deer Park near Ledbury, organisers are still planning on going ahead with the 2021 Lakefest – if it's safe to do so.

They said: "We just wanted to update you on where Lakefest 2021 stands as of this moment. As you can imagine, planning anything right now is difficult, especially a festival.

"Unlike some of the large UK festivals, we have the luxury of a much shorter build time meaning we can still put on our event if it becomes clear it is safe to do so.

"While we monitor the situation and remain optimistic about the vaccine roll out we continue to plan for all the eventualities and very much hope the Lakefest family can reunite this summer.

"We will do everything in our power to make this happen in line with the local authority and government advice.

"One thing we can be sure of is uncertainty so making decisions based purely on speculation at this point in time doesn’t help anyone."

A final decision on the festival, which is set to go ahead between August 12 and 15, will be made by the end of June.

Much Marcle Steam Rally

Another popular annual event near Ledbury has also confirmed its plans for 2021, and the Much Marcle Steam Rally will not be going ahead.

Chairman Chris Barnard said it was a "very difficult decision" to cancel the show which was set to take place on July 17 and 18.

"We had been hoping for better news that we could go ahead, but with the situation much the same as 12 months ago we feel it is the right thing to do," he said.

"We need to keep everyone safe so we can all hopefully enjoy a better show in 2022.

"Our thoughts are with anyone that we have lost over the last year that will not be with us again but will be in our thoughts every year.

"For this year we must all stay safe, keep getting those exhibits ready for next year and keep bringing happiness to those that visit the show.

"If at a later we can organise a social event or back to our meetings we will keep you all informed."