Organisers of the Chester Food and Drink Festival have taken the difficult decision to postpone this year’s Easter event.
It is to be re-staged at Chester Racecourse on the bank holiday weekend at the end of August instead.
The rescheduled dates are 29th-31st August 2020, with campers arriving from 2pm on Thursday 27th August.
Principle organiser, Briony Wilson said: “We regret having to do this as we have staged this event for the last 19 years without interruption at Easter.
“It seems, in recent days, that the spread of this disease cannot be contained and as such it would not be prudent to stage a mass gathering, food and drink festival whilst we are all still understanding how to live with this problem.”
Briony continued: “Our number one priority has always been customer safety and the postponement of our event to a time later in the year, when much more will be known about COVID-19, is the right one.
“Whilst at the time of this decision no government ban is in place we are taking a lead from other key events around the UK and feel it is only fair to our many exhibitors, as well as those camping and travelling longer distances, to make this decision now and give people plenty of time to make new arrangements.”
All tickets issued will automatically be valid for the postponed dates and no action is necessary by those in possession of daily or camping tickets or those planning to attend as exhibitors.
Festival chairman Stephen Wundke was upbeat about the change of date.
“Assuming we are coming out the other side of this virus by then we all might be looking for a real Chester celebration party and this would be ideal.
“In the meantime, we ask everyone to just stay safe and healthy.”
The main stars – including Masterchef judge John Torode – have been confirmed for the rescheduled event, so the event programme remains unaltered.
No decision has been reached yet regarding the Food and Drink Awards.
This event is due to take place on Wednesday 15th April but that is currently under review.
