Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival cancelled

Despite the festival not taking place until January 2021, today the organisers confirmed the annual tradition would not be taking place.

Roger Boon, director of the Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival said: “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic still present in general circulation and as there are no announced guidelines regarding “mass gatherings” set by the UK Government, we regret to announce that as Festival organisers we have made the decision to cancel the 2021 festival.

“We feel very fortunate to have actually held our 2020 festival in January and as event organisers are truly saddened to have to make this announcement.

“Why do this now rather than hope for the best?

“We have spent significant funds running the 2020 festival and money made at that event would normally be progressively spent or pledged to cover infrastructure, performing artists and other costs of staging the next festival.

“By cancelling now, we can secure festival funding for future years, when we are assured that the event can take place. As a not-for-profit organisation we have limited reserves so we must act prudently.

“As the 2020 event ended, planning for the 2021 festival had started but will now be put on hold for 12 months. We hope that we can then recommence and enable an event to take place in January 2022.

“We would like to thank all of the active Strawbearers, voluntary organisations, participants and our loyal supporters for attending this year’s event and we hope to see you all in 2022.”