Latest plans for Sidmouth Folk Festival to be announced this month

Plans are to be announced later this month for a scaled-down Sidmouth Folk Festival, to be held within the expected Covid restrictions during the first week of August.

The news has come as the festival's organisers welcome a grant of £97,250 from the Government's Culture Recovery Fund to help safeguard the event's future.

Festival director John Braithwaite said: "We are absolutely overjoyed to receive the grant from CRF, which, critically, contributes to a stable base for the future.

"Whilst a whole raft of uncertainties still surround running festivals this summer, which may not be clarified for three months, this grant gives us confidence to plan for the first week of August.

"On 23rd April, we will announce our plans for the festival this summer, which is being planned within present and projected restrictions, whilst looking forward to a full and improved festival in 2022.

"Thanks to all our supporters who have brought us this far. We look forward to seeing you in town this year for a celebration of this very special and unique event."

A crowdfunding campaign was launched last year to help bring in income after the festival was called off because of the Covid pandemic – and brought in more than £100,000.

Local businesses and the town and district councils have also contributed money to keep the festival going.

Mr Braithwaite said: "This latest grant from Arts Council England will help cover running costs through to June while planning for the post-Covid era and, together with other much appreciated support, means that we can look forward to a more secure future for the festival for many years ahead."