ORGANISERS of the annual Dartmoor Folk Festival have announced that this year’s event, which was due to take place over three days at South Zeal in August, has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement issued on April 29, the Dartmoor Folk Festival Association said: “It is with much sadness that we have made the difficult decision to postpone this year’s Dartmoor Folk Festival.

“We have been working hard to try to find a way to run the event as planned, but the ongoing developments surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic will not allow us to do so safely. After 42 years of being an annual event, you will appreciate that this decision has not been taken lightly.

“Our top priority has to be the well-being of everyone involved in staging the festival, the hundreds of visitors who join us every year, and most importantly the wider local community.  

“We know that this news will be a huge disappointment to all involved and The Festival Association appreciates that it will have a significant impact on local businesses, our suppliers, traders, and the artists we had booked to perform.

“On a brighter note, we look forward to welcoming everyone to the Festival again next year on August 6, 7 and 8, 2021 for a ‘proper job’ celebration of the music, song and dance traditions of Dartmoor.

“We are already taking ‘steps’ to move artists’ bookings to the 2021 line-up and details will be confirmed later in the year. Those who have booked tickets for this year will automatically roll over to 2021, or if requested, refunds will be made.

“We will all miss catching up with old friends this August, and as well as sending our best wishes, we thank everyone for their understanding and support.”

The Association adds that to keep up-to-date about further developments or to keep in touch, discuss sponsorship or sign up for volunteer roles, visit: www.dartmoorfolkfestival.org.uk .

Enquiries can be made by telephone on 01837 840102 or email: [email protected] .