Bristol Upfest 2021 postponed due to Coronavirus
Europe's largest street art and graffiti festival has been delayed until Spring next year
The Bristol urban arts festival was due to take place in August but the organisers have announced that it has been rescheduled to take place at the end of May/June 2022.
Upfest began in 2008 and has grown from attracting just 50 artists in its first year, to over 400 artists when the last event took place in 2019.
After last years' event was cancelled because of Covid, the 2021 festival was ready to welcome hundreds of artists and thousands of art enthusiasts to the city.
However, with a lack of certainty about coronavirus requirements over the next few months, the organisers have decided to postpone the event until next Spring.
They feared that without clear guidance, the risk of planning and paying for the event was too great in case of last minute cancellation.
The Upfest crew said:
"We're also conscious that many people are still not 100% confident about being in large crowds."
"This is a big consideration to us for our loyal festival-goers, artists and our 80 strong volunteer crew. whom we can't run the festival without."
"Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do and so it feels too soon to be hosting the event while ensuring everyone can join us."
"We know for many of our artists this was going to be the highlight of the year and the first time back painting amongst friends."
"We will start planning for our return in 2022 right away and we are looking forward to bringing everyone together as soon as we can in the new year."
Even though the festival will not be taking place this year, artwork will still continue to appear throughout the city. Upfest artists are half way through painting incredible artwork on 75 South Bristol walls in 75 days.
"We are very grateful that we have been able to work on this part of the festival for 2021 and we're looking forward to seeing everyone in the gallery when you visit the new walls."