ONE of Worcestershire’s most popular music events has once again been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Upton Blues Festival, which was due to be held in the town this summer, has fallen victim to the pandemic again having been cancelled last year.
In a statement on the festival’s Facebook page, its organisers said they had been trying to make the festival workable for 2021 but that sadly this had not been the case.
They said: “The committee met recently with the resolve and expectation to carry on the planning for 2021.
“As always, paramount to UBF has been the enjoyment and safety of the bands, festival goers and residents of the town.
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“After taking advice it became evident that safety could not be reasonably guaranteed if the current restrictions are in place in July.
“At this point we simply cannot guarantee when restrictions will be lifted sufficiently to run the festival.
“Therefore, and I’m sure it will come as no surprise, it is with great sorrow and regret we have to announce Upton Blues Festival will not take place in 2021.”
The post went on to say that anyone who has already bought a 2021 UBF camping ticket will receive an automatic refund “over the next few weeks”
The future is bright for the festival despite the cancellation, with the organisers adding they were determined to get the popular event, which sees Upton filled with the sounds of music for a weekend, back on when safe to do so.
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They added: “The Upton Blues Festival committee are unanimous in being determined to keep the spirit of the festival alive, front and centre for when we can all get back together on the stages, in the campsites, the pubs and on the streets.
“The UBF committee isn’t going to take the ravages of Covid 19 lying down.
“Stay safe, mask up, please follow us and keep in touch on our social media sites.”
Each year the Upton Blues Festival sees thousands of music lovers flock to the town to enjoy a weekend of fun and friendship.