Disappointment over further delay to Lancaster's Highest Point, but city council says it is 'most responsible approach'

The music festival was scheduled to take place in September at Williamson Park, but it has now been postponed until next May.
Highest Point at Lancaster's Williamson Park has now been postponed until next year.Highest Point at Lancaster's Williamson Park has now been postponed until next year.
Highest Point at Lancaster's Williamson Park has now been postponed until next year.

The event, which featured performances from Rag n' Bone Man, Rudimental, Wilkinson and The Lovely Eggs, was originally due to take place in May this year, but organisers put it back to September in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.They were hopeful that the event could go ahead on September 11 and 12 at Williamson Park, which is managed by Lancaster City Council, but they announced this week that it was not to be.

All the acts have been confirmed for the new dates in May, and tickets bought for either May or September 2020 will still be valid.

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Rich Dyer, from Highest Point, said: "It's a massive shame for everyone, our charity partners and the local economy and most importantly our fans however we will be returning in May 2021 bigger and better than ever in what we hope will be an entirely back to normal festival experience."

Holly Wignall, Rich Dyer and Jamie Scahill from Highest Point.Holly Wignall, Rich Dyer and Jamie Scahill from Highest Point.
Holly Wignall, Rich Dyer and Jamie Scahill from Highest Point.

More than 15,000 attended the event in 2019, the second year that the festival had taken place at the Lancaster park.

Councillor Erica Lewis, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on our communities and while significant progress has been made to get society safely back up and running, recovery remains fragile.

"Lockdown measures may have eased, but we have to recognise that any major event has the potential to contribute to a second spike, which we all must contribute to averting.

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"We are of course all disappointed, but believe that this is the responsible approach for our communities and we look forward to seeing Highest Point return in 2021.”

Highest Point in Lancaster. Photo by Robin Zahler.Highest Point in Lancaster. Photo by Robin Zahler.
Highest Point in Lancaster. Photo by Robin Zahler.

Highest Point said on its social media page on Monday: "Despite government guidelines permitting outdoor performances, after discussions with our partners at Lancaster City Council, they have asked that Highest Point does not take place in 2020 and instead that you all return safely to the beautiful Williamson Park in May 2021.

"This is of course disappointing for everyone who was looking forward to joining us this year.

"The new dates for Highest Point are now Friday 14th & Saturday 15th May 2021 with the 'Big Family Day Out' taking place on 16th May 2021.

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"Hopefully Covid will be a distant memory by then, however we have not forgotten all the the immensely hard working key workers from across the district with your FREE party taking place on the evening of Sunday 16th May 2021

"We have managed to secure all existing artists for these new dates and furthermore are proud to add the wonderful ELLA EYRE and SUB FOCUS to our already huge weekend lineup.

"All tickets remain valid for the show in May.

"If you cannot make the new date then please visit www.skiddle.com/orders in the next 14 days to claim your face value refund.

"Any booking fees paid will be returned as a credit to your Skiddle account for future purchases.

"Once again a big sorry from us but we will dance again."

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