Woodhall Spa 1940s Festival cancelled for 2021

The annual WWII homefront celebration event has, since its founding in 2012, become one of the county’s most popular summer events and one of the best 1940s themed festivals in the UK.

Usually held in mid-July each year, the event attracts up to 50,000 visitors and provides a significant economic and tourism boost to the village.

After being forced to cancel the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee had pencilled in the weekend of 17-18 July to press ahead with a 2021 event.

However, the committee has very carefully assessed the safe and responsible deliverability of a festival this year and decided, with the health and safety of visitors, villagers and local businesses at the forefront of considerations, that to go ahead would not be the right decision.

Also, the festival weekend falls very soon after the fourth and final lifting of Covid-19 restrictions but with no certainty whether the Prime Minister’s “roadmap” deadlines will definitely be met, the committee feel there is too much risk to go ahead.

Chair of the volunteer organising committee Andrew Hunter acknowledged many visitors will be disappointed but that this is the right decision.

He said: “We have looked at all options and tried very hard to come up with a workable plan to put on the festival this year, but with so much uncertainty around large events and our desire to keep our visitors and fellow villagers safe, we have decided with regret to cancel this year’s festival.

“I know this will disappoint many but I am sure everyone will understand that this is entirely the right and responsible decision.

“We look forward and with full confidence that we can come back with a bang for our 10th anniversary year in 2022.”

The organisers have consulted with local bodies including Woodhall Spa Parish Council, East Lindsey District County and local councillors to help reach this decision and have the full support on this move from each party.

The 2022 festival weekend dates are confirmed for July 9 and 10, 2022.

• Further details will follow in Autumn 2021.