EXMOOR’S popular Simonsbath Festival has fallen victim to the Covid pandemic after a decision to cancel inside events due to be held this summer.

A spokesman for the festival committee said: “This year would have been our tenth Simonsbath Festival. We were looking forward to welcoming back audiences to enjoy world class music, art, poetry and first-rate speakers. 

“Unfortunately with the recent publication of the Government’s ‘roadmap’ on Covid restrictions we have had to reconcile ourselves to the fact that neither the inside performances of the 2021 festival in May to mid-June nor the Exmoor Schools’ involvement will take place.

“We are, however, hoping to rearrange most of the planned performances for later this year.

Events which will take place include a benefit performance by the Albion Quartet in St Luke’s Church, Simonsbath, on June 25.

Exmoor composer Gary Cooper will introduce and then premier his new piano work ‘The Solar System’ in Dulverton Church on July 17.

Simonsbath Festival collaborative activities including the Exmoor Society Walks and The Exmoor Running and Walking Festival events, will continue as normal.  

In normal years, as well as helping to support St Luke’s Church financially by hiring it as a venue, the Simonsbath Festival profits also go to underwrite the Simonsbath Festival ‘Music in Schools’ Programme.

This includes the ‘Songs from the Exmoor Forest’ Project whose purpose is to revive interest in, and knowledge of, the traditional music and songs of Exmoor. The ‘Music in Schools’ Programme is led by Paul Wilson of Wren Music, a Folk and Community Arts Organisation.

The Simonsbath Festival normally culminates in a free midsummer performance by the children at the Moorland Hall in Wheddon Cross.

Up to date information can be obtained by visiting simonsbath

festival.org.uk