By Anna Wilkinson
Nottingham’s Splendour music festival will go ahead in July this year, organisers have announced.
The one-day event will return on Saturday, July 24 2021 at Wollaton Park with Britpop legend Richard Ashcroft headlining.
Supergrass, The Vamps, Rick Astley and Belinda Carlise are also on the bill.
The announcement follows months of uncertainty around live music events locally and nationally centred on how long social distancing measures will need to stay in place to control the Covid-19 pandemic.
But the Government’s publication of a ‘roadmap’ including possible target dates for the lifting of social distancing measures has led some event organisers to commit to new dates.
Social contact restrictions would be lifted on June 21, according to the roadmap – more than a month before Splendour’s new date.
Around 25,000 people normally attend the annual festival. Last year’s event was again expected in July before it was postponed following the pandemic.
Announcing the new date, George Akins, owner of organisers DHP Family said: “Richard Ashcroft is an icon of British rock, and we’re thrilled he’ll be joining us for Splendour 2021.
“With Supergrass, Rick Astley, The Vamps, Belinda Carlisle, Becky Hill and more, 2021’s line-up might be our most ambitious yet.
“We’ve still got so much more to be announced across all stages, and we can’t wait to deliver a Splendour that we think will be the best yet.”
Craig Chettle MBE, Chief Executive of Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, said: “Confetti is thrilled to be supporting the Splendour Festival once again, for what will be an eagerly-awaited return in 2021. It offers a fantastic chance to come together and enjoy world-class acts, alongside up-and-coming talent within the beautiful grounds of Wollaton Hall.”
Ashcroft is known as lead singer of The Verve and has won two Brit Awards.
Joining Ashcroft will be the 1990s band Supergrass who have achieved an unbroken run of five top 10 albums.
The main stage will also feature Rick Astley, Becky Hill and local upcoming folk pop singer songwriter Tori Sheard. The main stage will also host the winner of the “Future Sound of Nottingham”.
Headlining on the confetti stage will be The Vamps. Joining them will be American singer Belinda Carlisle, known for her global smash hit “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and as the lead vocalist of the all-female rock band The Go-Go’s.
Britpop favourites Sleeper will be finalising the lineup on the confetti stage.
The organisers added: “Splendour 2021 will continue to follow government guidelines and are working hard to ensure they can deliver a fun, safe and enjoyable event for all.
“However, should there be any changes to the government roadmap dates which cause Splendour to reschedule or postpone the festival, rest assured tickets will be valid for the new date or refunds will be available.”
Tickets are priced £61.60 general admission or £50.60 for Nottingham residents. Concessions and VIP packages are also available and can be bought from splendourfestival.com.
Full line-up to date;
MAIN STAGE
Richard Ashcroft
Supergrass
Rick Astley
Becky Hill
Tori Sheard
NUSIC competition winner
CONFETTI STAGE
The Vamps
Belinda Carlisle
Sleeper
+ More to be announced
