Music fans’ hopes that the Beautiful Days festival would go ahead this year were raised this week.
Organisers of the popular event at Escot, near Ottery St Mary, announced on social media: “Very happy to let you know that the line-up for #BD2021 is going to be announced on Friday, May 7.
“A few of the artists who were scheduled to play in 2020 weren’t able to reconfirm for this year but we are very excited about those who are signed up to join us in August.
We are working hard continuing to plan for #BD2021 to go ahead following Step 4 of the government’s roadmap which will allow large events to take place without restrictions.
“We are planning for a full capacity festival with 90 per cent of tickets already sold and are in regular discussion with all local authorities as the situation progresses in the UK to ensure this can be done safely. More will be learnt from pilot events taking place soon and other government reviews.”
“We can’t wait to be back in Escot Park with you!”
The festival is due to take place between August 20 and 22. But with the announcement earlier this year that June’s iconic Glastonbury Festival would again be cancelled, the second time it has fallen foul of the coronavirus pandemic, music fans’ attentions had turned anxiously to Escot’s highly regarded Beautiful Days
Festival organisers said in late February: “Thank you to everyone who rolled ticket bookings over from 2020. If we’re able to go ahead this year then tickets will go back on sale in April and we will start announcing artists. We very much hope to see you all this summer.”
Beautiful Days is the Levellers’ independent family music festival, organised by DMF Music and first staged in 2003.
The 18th edition was due to take place from August 21 to 23 last year but due to the Covid-19 pandemic the event was cancelled.
As well as several stages, including a seated theatre tent, the festival traditionally provides site art installations, a wild spa, crafts area, healing garden, a children’s area, walkabout theatre, play zones in campsites, family camping, real ale bars, folk sessions and a vast selection of food and craft stalls.
In 2011 Beautiful Days was pronounced “Best Family Festival” by the UK Festival Awards.