'Hard' decision to cancel this year's Sea Fest

Next month's Sidmouth Sea Fest has been cancelled – although some events that can be held within the Covid guidelines will still go ahead.

The event was due to be held on Saturday, May 22.

The Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub say the 'hard' decision has been made because the Covid risk management is 'very onerous' and it would not be possible to generate the festival's 'wonderful community atmosphere' with so much marshalling needed to meet the guidelines.

But they are still planning a choir recording, author talks and art installations, which will be shared digitally.

They are also planning a series of mini pop-up events on their 2021 theme of Rockpools, Reefs and Reconnecting.

A spokesperson said: "To do this for the second year is hard – and impacts on our funding as we will not be able to generate income again from this year's festival for next.

"We know so well too that for traders and performers this continues to be really tough.

"But we are busy optimists so have lots of amazing projects ongoing which continue to lead to more creative community opportunities and know we usually find a way!

"We always appreciate all the volunteering support, ideas and contributions from everyone so look forward to a full festival in 2022."

The Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub say the projects they've been working on during the last year are progressing well, and offer plenty of opportunities for people to get creative, and get involved.

Planting is taking place at the Community Coral Reef Themed Garden, and various community groups are carrying out garden construction work.

The 'refreshment' of the Fish Wall Mural by the Ham has begun with the repainting of the white background, and the fish designs will be repainted soon with designs from Sidmouth Primary School.

The refurbishment of the Fishermen's Shed Space is almost complete and the group are planning some micro creative workshops – anyone who would like to run one is asked to contact them.

The billboard for the Ham Wall Space project will be installed in the next few weeks with a new artwork the group are working on with Sidmouth College.

They are also supporting the Beach Ramp Project led by Dave Rafferty, and will be working on an art project as it develops.