1 Big Summer festival in Plymouth postponed

Organisers say they do not want to add "extra burden" to the NHS and local emergency services

Groups across Devon have secured money from the Home Office's Safer Streets Fund
Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 11th Aug 2021

Plymouth's 1 Big Summer festival has been postponed until next year.

The event - that was due to take place later this month - has now been moved to the Bank Holiday Jubilee Weekend in June 2022.

Organisers say that many hospitals regionally remain under "extreme pressure" and they do not want to add an "extra burden".

They also say they have faced difficulty in securing "critical suppliers".

The announcement was made on their Facebook page. Here's the full statement:

"Today we have made the difficult decision to move the 1 Big Summer event to the Bank Holiday Jubilee Weekend, 2 - 5 June, 2022.

"Despite all restrictions for events being removed on July 19 as per the Government's 4 step plan, we have continued to face difficulties in the current climate and through the ongoing pandemic.

"Regionally, many hospitals remain under extreme pressure and the burden on the NHS and local emergency services is ever present.

"There is always a risk that any large scale event would need to utilise local resource in the event of an emergency. At this time we feel it is unnecessary to add an extra burden.

"Coupled with the difficulties we have faced securing critical suppliers as the event industry tries to get back on its feet, we feel it is appropriate and our responsibility as organisers to wait for the situation to settle down.

"We are doing this for the safety of our customers, staff and performers, but also with the respect to the very supportive city council, local residents' concerns, and to protect any further stress on the NHS and critical services.

"As frustrating as we know this will be for you, and we do sincerely apologise, we believe that doing this will allow us to hold a better, safer, and more enjoyable event, and ensure longevity and a return of large scale events to the wonderful Plymouth Hoe for many years to come.

"For the most part, the content and talent will remain relatively unchanged with many headliners already confirmed for the new dates.

"For now we are suspending ticket sales until further notice. Tickets already purchased will remain valid for next year, including the Saturday which has now sold out. No further action from ticket holders is required to action this.

"Refunds will of course be available to those who wish."

Teams add that they are "absolutely gutted" that they have had to postpone the event, saying their team has worked "tirelessly" for over six months to make it happen.

They say they hope to see every there and dancing on the Hoe very soon.

More details and ticket FAQ's can be found here.

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