REGRETFULLY, after lengthy discussions, the organising committee of the Dartmoor Folk Festival has announced that, sadly, it feels that it is not going to be possible for it to stage a “normal” Dartmoor Folk Festival in August 2021.

In a statement, the committee said: “There are various factors that have resulted in this decision, with keeping all involved safe and well being our top priority.

“There is also the financial risk we would be taking with organising such an event in the current climate, and in order to protect the future of the festival we also need to safeguard our finances.

“We are therefore proposing to concentrate on running the Dartmoor Step Dance and Broom Dance competitions either as live events or as virtual events depending on what is permitted at the time.

“Nearer the time, if things are looking up, we may consider putting on a small event to incorporate the competitions. This way we can remain flexible and adapt to the circumstances.

“Hopefully by the end of 2021 things will have moved on and we will be in a position to confidently make plans for the 2022 festival.

“In the meantime, look after yourselves and keep an eye on the Festival website at: www.dartmoorfolkfestival.org.uk or on the Festival Facebook page.”

Those who booked tickets for the 2020 Festival will automatically have them rolled over to 2022, or if requested, refunds will be made.