Basingstoke B Love Festival postponed
Council say continuing covid uncertainty means the July festival will be re-scheduled to summer 2022
Last updated 9th Mar 2021
An annual two-day music and arts festival has been postponed until 2022 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
B LOVE, which brings over 100 live music acts, family entertainment and arts to War Memorial Park, was due to take place in July 2021.
As part of its roadmap to unlock national COVID restrictions, the government has announced plans for large scale events to return no earlier than Monday 21 June but this is dependent on the latest data.
Due to the uncertainty of restrictions which may still be in place, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has taken the decision to postpone B LOVE Festival to summer 2022.
As part of the approved budget for 2021/22, the council will be reviewing its support for B LOVE and continue to explore the option of an external partner helping to deliver the event in the future.
Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Partnerships Cllr Simon Bound said:
“We have been working hard behind the scenes to try and make B LOVE happen this year but despite everyone’s best efforts and with the ongoing uncertainty around unlocking restrictions, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone this year’s event.
“We were looking forward to welcoming people to this year’s event but ultimately the safety of our residents and visitors must come first and work is already under way to secure artists for the 2022 event.
“There will still be lots of opportunities to enjoy art in unusual places with the return of smaller but spectacular COVID-safe events as part of Basingstoke Festival this June and July.
“I would encourage everyone to keep an eye on the Basingstoke Festival website and social media channels for regular updates and we hope to welcome you all to a special B LOVE event next year.”
For more information on Basingstoke Festival, please visit www.basingstokefestival.co.uk