By DJ Monk

Logo for Bloodstock 2020This year’s Bloodstock festival has been cancelled, in the wake of the continuing uncertainty around the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This morning’s announcement was not unexpected, but it certainly is a massive disappointment for many, many metal fans, especially as this year marks Bloodstock’s 20th anniversary. However, the disappointment may well be tempered by the additional announcement Bloodstock 2021 will be the biggest yet, with the festival taking place over five days.

The full statement issued by Bloodstock HQ reads as follows:

“Following the ongoing government guidance on mass gatherings and social distancing, we are extremely disappointed to announce that this year’s Bloodstock will no longer be going ahead. We respect the government’s mandate and recognise it is made with the best intentions, in order to protect the health and safety of not only our audience, but our staff, crew, musicians, and other contractors who work on site at Bloodstock. Safety remains of paramount importance to us.

“We know you have been concerned about what the developing Covid-19 situation would mean for Bloodstock and will be as disappointed as we are at this tough decision, but we hope you can appreciate it is the right choice to make at this time. We had been working tirelessly to ensure we could still offer the top quality Bloodstock experience you trust us to provide, year on year – and this year more than ever, when we invited you to celebrate 20 Years of Bloodstock with us. We do not – and never will – take this trust in us for granted.

“We have been reading your comments on our social media, and many of you have said that in this circumstance, you would like the option to roll your 2020 ticket over to 2021’s event – and we can confirm that you are able do that. Rest assured that Bloodstock will return with an almighty vengeance, better and stronger than ever, so to that end and to help assuage your disappointment, next year Bloodstock will be adding an extra day!

“The festival will be five days and start from Wednesday, as opposed to Thursday; the dates for 2021’s event will be 11 – 15 August. This will be at no extra cost to those who have already purchased weekend tickets for 2020 and wish to roll them over. We will also freeze prices at the ticket store until later this year, when prices will then increase by just £10 and a new, longer six-month instalment plan will launch to make that option even easier to manage. The on-sale date for day tickets and any returns on previously sold out ticket categories, such as camper vans, will be announced in due course. We are happy to report that many artists on this year’s line-up have already reconfirmed for 2021 and we look forward to sharing further plans with you soon. Meanwhile, you can watch an updated trailer for the festival HERE and a special message from metal overlord Rob Halford, from headliner Judas Priest, HERE.

Facebook header for Bloodstock 2021

“Should you prefer a refund, we also wish to state that full, face value refunds will be available to everyone who has already purchased a Bloodstock 2020 ticket from official sellers and assure you of our best efforts to process those refunds within 28 days, where possible. We have a lot to sort out, so please bear with us – everyone who has purchased a ticket already from Seetickets will be emailed in the next 7-14 days.

“We are also updating our website and have launched a new page to answer your questions about refunds and the roll-over process HERE.

“While we understand the current financial climate is difficult for many, we sincerely hope you will decide to join us to celebrate Bloodstock next year. As an independent, family run festival, we wish to extend our deepest appreciation for your continued and loyal support.

“We know we are privileged to have such a strong Bloodstock community, and as a united family of heavy metal fans, we WILL prevail.”

www.facebook.com/bloodstock