By Monk
With the continuing inablilty of many US and other overseas bands to fulfil previously scheduled summer dates this year, it has been announced that the 2000trees festival, which had been due to take place over the first weekend in July, has been cancelled for the second successive year.
In a detailed statement, which also contains a withering attack on the Government’s refusal to effectively support the live events industry throughout the COVID crisis, the organizers said:
“Over the last two weeks, it has become clear that, due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, bands based outside of the UK will not be able to travel to 2000trees in 2021.
“We’ve had confirmation that around 20 of the biggest bands from our line-up will not be coming to Upcote Farm this summer. This list, which is growing every week, includes our headliners Jimmy Eat World and Thrice, plus Knocked Loose, Young Guns, The Get Up Kids, Laura Jane Grace, Anti-Flag and Stray From The Path.
“As a result, we have been forced to take the absolutely heart-breaking decision to postpone 2000trees to 6-10 July 2022. Up until a week ago we were still furiously working behind the scenes to try make the festival happen. We really wanted (and needed) a party just as much as you this year. But after losing these bands, it’s clear that we are unable to give you the award-winning Trees experience that you know and love this year.
“Bands dropping out is one thing, but to make matters worse, the UK Government have repeatedly refused to provide any COVID cancellation insurance for the live events industry.
“Hundreds of festivals have been asking for months for a Government backed insurance policy allowing us to confidently host events this year. We were hopeful that this insurance would be in place by now. Although they’ve provided a similar scheme for film and TV, the Government have completely let the live music industry down by refusing to back a simple insurance policy.
“This would have cost them next to nothing, unless the roadmap dates are changed (or we are put into another lockdown), and it’s the single most effective thing they could have done to get festivals back up and running this summer. Many independent festivals have already postponed because of this and we know of many other events that will shortly be announcing their postponement.
“The obvious concern is that there may still be delays or changes to the COVID restrictions at the last minute. Without this vital COVID cancellation insurance, going ahead with this year’s event would simply be a huge financial risk, potentially jeopardising our long-term survival. So we were left with no other choice than to pull the plug before it was too late.
“The GOOD NEWS is that things are already looking amazing for 2000trees 2022. As it stands, we’re very nearly sold out for next year and we are very excited to announce that the following bands from this year are now confirmed for 2022: Jimmy Eat WorldThrice, The Amazons, Dinosaur Pile Up, Knocked Loose, The Get Up Kids, Dream State, Laura Jane Grace, Anti-Flag, Lonely the Brave, Stick To Your Guns, Deez Nuts, No Devotion and Dragged Under
“We also have a super-exciting third headliner to tell you all about real soon, as well as over 100 more of the best bands playing across our six wonderful stages.
“All 2021 tickets are automatically valid for next year’s festival and if you already have your ticket, you do not have to do anything to reserve your place. Your existing ticket is now your ticket to 2022.
“As a small, independent business that’s been hit extremely hard by the pandemic, we really need as many people as possible to roll their tickets to next year, just so we can keep paying our staff and secure the long-term survival of 2000trees.
“You kept us alive in 2020 when over 95 per cent of you rolled your tickets to this year. If you could do the same for us again by holding onto your tickets until 2022, not only will you get next year’s festival at 2019 prices, but we will love you forever and promise to make the 2022 festival one to remember!”