Simon RushworthThis summer’s Ramblin’ Man Fair has become the latest British festival to fall foul of the global pandemic.
Rumours of its demise had been doing the rounds for several months but a statement today confirmed that July’s three-day shindig is off.
Europe, Clutch and The Quireboys were among a host of big names who had committed to the rearranged festival — moved from July 2020.
And the eclectic event — bringing together the best of rock, blues, metal and prog — will be a big miss.
A full statement talked of a ‘potential rollover’ and ‘dates for 2022′ but there will be fears that Ramblin’ Man cannot survive another fallow year.
Fans can claim refunds at the point of purchase.
The full statement reads as follows:
“With great regret Ramblin Man Fair 2021 will not happen.
“We thank everyone for their patience while we held our line until the last possible moment to make an informed decision.
“The reasons are many but all – unsurprisingly – are linked to the on going Covid related complications that challenge events in the early summer of this year.
“Whether it’s the lack of government backed insurance scheme, no support from government funds that we applied for, ongoing travel restrictions on major artists, increased costs for crowd safety and potential testing — the list goes on.
“Ramblin Man would like to thank all the bands who did put themselves forward and we know that they all share our regret and frustration at the situation.
“We would also like to thank the event team at Maidstone council and Mote Park for their patience and understanding through this difficult time.
“But most of all RMF would like to thank the loyal ticket holders who make the event as special as it is.
“Refunds can be accessed via point of purchase on Eventbrite.co.uk and details of potential rollover and dates for 2022 will be released in due course.
“Stay safe
“The RMF team.”