2000trees postpones 2021 festival over travel restrictions and lack of COVID cancellation insurance

Following the cancellation of Boomtown and Deer Shed Festival last week due to a lack of COVID cancellation insurance, Cheltenham's 2000trees Festival has joined the growing list, citing the same issue as well as travel restrictions as the main reasons behind the 2021 event postponement.

In a statement, organisers revealed that 20 acts booked for this year, including Jimmy Eat World, Laura Jane Grace, Young Guns and more have pulled out due to travel concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic. They wrote, "As a result, we have been forced to take the absolute heart-breaking decision to postpone 2000trees to July 6th-10th 2022."

The statement also called out the UK government for the lack of COVID cancellation insurance, "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 & TV, the Government have completely let the live music industry down by refusing to back a simple insurance policy."

2000trees organisers added, "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."

Hi everyone - please read. We've got good news and we've got bad news.

Full info and FAQ: https://t.co/rgFmqWrT1m pic.twitter.com/0SNzonH7Bh

— 2000trees Festival (@2000trees) April 26, 2021