Photo: Paul Bachmann
Yesterday, Reading/Leeds fired the starting pistol for a potential summer season of festivals this year.
The Parklife, Camp Bestival, Live At Leeds and Wireless festivals have all followed the lead of Reading/Leeds by publicly announcing their commitment to go ahead this year.
After the UK government set a June target for most of the current restrictions to be lifted, organisers are stirring into action around the country in the hope that those in charge will keep their word, Reading/Leeds organiser Melvin Benn, who also runs Wireless, telling Radio 4:
“The one thing that we can say about the Prime Minister is that in terms of the vaccination rollout, almost unique in the world, he has got it right.”
Bestival organiser Rob Da Bank has also been outlining his hopes for 2021, quoted by the BBC as saying:
“There is literally nothing [my wife] Josie and I like more in life than standing in a field surrounded by family and friends, dressed in daft outfits dancing to amazing bands and DJs and Mr Tumble.
“That’s exactly what we plan to be doing at Camp Bestival.”
As for Parklife, that event’s co-founder Sacha Lord hopes by September social distancing will also not be needed, telling NME:
“We pushed back Parklife to September and we’re confident it will go ahead. We’ve got New Order on the night before and we’re gearing up for success with an 80,000 capacity.”
And those behind Live At Leeds have been on social media giving out some hope which rings true locally for Live4ever, writing:
“This means we can celebrate our 15th Anniversary the way we always wanted, nipping in and out venues around Leeds, watching the best new bands, singing and dancing with all of you.”
Live at Leeds 2021 – it’s on!
Following the recent government announcement, we’re thrilled to announce we will be going ahead this year.Early bird tickets are on sale now from https://t.co/vCwz1T8Tdt. Let’s make up for a lot of missed festivals. #LAL2021 pic.twitter.com/kma2wt55Vz
— Live at Leeds (@liveatleedsfest) February 24, 2021
