'People are desperate to get out and enjoy themselves' say musician preparing to stage Chagstock again

The team behind Devon's Chagstock festival - on the edge of Dartmoor - say they'll be going ahead next weekend with a full capacity - after Boris Johnson last night confirmed restrictions will be eased from the 19th.

Author: Andrew KayPublished 13th Jul 2021
Last updated 13th Jul 2021

The music festival, now in its 15th year, has a just short of 5,000 capacity and is set in a 70-acre site - which is almost the same size as Westpoint where 25,000 people a day were allowed in for this month's county show.

The two-day festival, which starts on Friday July 23, sees Scouting For Girls and Seasick Steve headlining - with tickets from last year's postponed event carried forward to this year.

Musician and founder Simon Ford says tickets are on sale for this month's event, adding: "We have an advantage to a lot of indoor events as we're outdoors.

"There's lots of airflow, we'll be keeping marquee sides open as much as possible.

"Whilst we can't, or as it stands, we wouldn't be able to insist on various things - we'll encourage people to take tests before they come although we won't be checking that.

"Also wearing masks where there'll be various pinch points and potential crowds such as like queueing for box offices and the bar and so on.

"We'll say to people if they do feel vulnerable please feel comfortable wearing a mask don't be embarrassed if you feel you want to wear one all the time.

"People are very excited, as are we.

"I think, following the last 18 months, the heartache and problems that everybody's seen, people are desperate to get out and enjoy themselves, hear some live music and meet new friends or old friends.

"That's what Chagstock is about really. It's like a big party in a field. pretty chilled out.

We have all sorts of age groups there. Everybody's really positive about it."

For more about Chagstock click here