WATCHET Music Festival is GOING AHEAD, organisers have confirmed.

The event, staged by the Watchet Live CIC, runs across the August Bank Holiday weekend.

And, confirming the event, organisers also added some new names to the bill - The Feeling, Desmond Decker's band The Aces, and Hue & Cry.

The festival will have a number of voluntary Covid safety measures in place, including all tented stages being open-sided to improve airflow and freely-available hand sanitiser and facemasks.

All attendees who are not double vaccinated are being strongly advised to undertake a lateral flow test prior to arrival, and anyone who is self-isolating and/or unable to attend this year’s event due to a positive test will be able to transfer their ticket to 2022 at no cost.

Enhanced cleaning will also be in place, including backstage.

Reusable cups have been replaced by fully compostable single-use ones.

Back to the on-stage activities, and as previously announced, the vast majority of the Watchet 2021 line up has been carried over from last year’s cancelled event, including Gabrielle, Shed Seven, Toyah, The Blockheads, Sister Sledge and many more.

Sadly The Blockheads and The Maytals band are no longer able to perform.

All 2020 ticket purchases remain valid for Watchet 2021.

All camping tickets have sold out and with just a few non-camping tickets remaining, organisers are urging anyone who wishes to attend to buy their tickets shortly to avoid disappointment.

Somerset County Gazette:

Watchet CIC representative, Mark Bale, said: “After what seems like an eternity without live music and festivals, we are extremely excited to confirm that Watchet 2021 will indeed be taking place.

"We have an absolutely brilliant line up for this year, which is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

"We will of course be doing everything in our power to create a safe and secure environment for all, and ask for your help, patience and assistance to ensure everyone who comes to Watchet 2021 is responsible and thoughtful of everyone’s needs.

"I simply cannot wait to welcome all our friends, from near and far, back to our award-winning festival this August Bank Holiday weekend."

READ MORE: Watchet Music Festival set to return THIS YEAR

Cllr Derek Perry, executive member for sports, parks and leisure at Somerset West and Taunton Council, said: “I am delighted that this popular event is able to make a welcome return with a wealth of measures in place to help keep everyone including our residents as safe as possible.

“We have been able to work with Watchet CIC, using the specialist advice of our Somerset-wide Covid Support Officer to ensure the festival takes place in a Covid-safe environment.

"I would encourage everyone to observe the provisions in place and enjoy themselves in as responsible a way as possible.”

For more information, and to book tickets, log on to www.watchetfestival.co.uk.