Brodstock Music Festival moves date of 2021 event - this is when it will take place

The festival will now take place on Saturday, August 7 as there is a strong likelihood of all pandemic-related restrictions being lifted by then.

The date change follows the government’s new Covid-19 roadmap which was outlined by the Prime Minister last week.

Boris Johnson’s plan pinpointed Monday, June 21 as the earliest date all restrictions could be lifted in England.

With Brodstock earmarked for June 19 the event could have still taken place but with numerous measures required including a reduced capacity and the potential introduction of Covid-19 tests for everyone entering large scale gatherings.

“Our main concern was for the volunteers that put the day on," said James Ogden who is a member of the festival organising group.

“There’d be a strong possibility that government advice in June will still be around social distancing, mask-wearing and only meeting people in groups of less than 30 - yet we’d be asking our volunteers to be front-of-house to 3000 festival goers.

"It didn’t seem like the right thing to do, wasn’t fair to ask them and a date change seemed like the obvious option”.

Brodstock is a family-friendly festival which is organised by a committed group of volunteers raising money for charity.

It sells out every year, attracts over 5000 people and since it began in 2014 has raised over £100,000 for local and regional charities like the Overgate Hospice and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The day showcases some of the best local bands and performers in the area over two stages and also includes dedicated areas for kids activities, stalls, street food and bars.

Tickets go on sale from the Old Brodleians Rugby Club at 10.30am on Saturday, July 17 for the new festival date of Saturday, August 7.

For more details go to www.brodstock.co.uk.