FESTIVAL fans can look forward to treats, beats and plenty to eat with lots of Somerset style and sizzle as Valley Fest organisers feel confident restrictions will be lifted in the nick of time.
Following the Government announcement on Monday (June 14), the festival is forging ahead with plans to hold the festival in July as planned.
The team have said they feel confident that the four-week delay and expanded vaccination programme will see restrictions fully lifted on July 19, just in time for the festival, which is due to take place from 29th July to August 1.
Valley Fest’s unique appeal is the lazy lakeside vibe with this year's headliners Texas, Deacon Blue and Sophie Ellis-Bextor fitting the bill perfectly.
Along with the music, festival-goers can drop in on poetry, storytelling and comedy sessions too.
It all takes place on an organic farm so looking after the land is part of its DNA. Whether that’s through talks on soil health, wildlife-friendly gardening, farm tours or via panel discussions on regenerative farming, there is a host of fascinating and progressive topics to choose from.
The festival was founded by Luke Hasell, an organic farmer who inherited the land after his parents died suddenly.
He said: “It’s going to be close but we’ve come this far, and if safe and possible, we are utterly committed to having everyone back in the field this summer.
"We expect a Government announcement a week before July 19 to confirm restrictions are being lifted. At this point, we will give you a full and final confirmation that the event can go ahead.”
Valley Fest, billed as the best-tasting music festival in the South West, is held alongside Chew Valley Lake and showcases the region’s finest produce.
Over the long weekend you can see foodies such as Great British Bake Off stars Chetna Makan and Briony May Williams, Josh Eggleton from Michelin-Starred Pony and Trap, Rob Howell from Root Bristol and chef and author, Olia Hercules.
With safety paramount, a number of changes have been made to the running of the festival, ensuring Government guidelines will be followed. For example, an extra field has been added to aid social-distancing, going cashless aims to reduce queuing and a redesigned site means there are no enclosed, tented venues and plenty of ventilation in any covered areas.
Adult weekend tickets are currently available priced at £175 (plus booking fee) available from www.valleyfest.co.uk. When these run out, tier 5 tickets will be priced at £195.
Should the event not go ahead, ticket holders will be offered a rollover to 2022 or a refund.
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