Sevenoaks Summer Festival cancelled due to uncertainty caused by coronavirus pandemic

The popular Sevenoaks Summer Festival, which has been a feature in the town for 50 years, has been cancelled this year.

A letter sent out by festival chairman Ray Russell confirmed that the uncertainty surrounding the event, due to start on Saturday 20 June, because of the coronavirus pandemic means it cannot now go ahead. Below is a copy of the letter:

It is with huge regret that I have to tell you we’ve decided we can’t proceed with Festival 2020 under the circumstances that result from the coronavirus pandemic and the measures mandated or recommended by the government to contain its spread.

We had thought we could monitor developments and announcements and wait a few more weeks before coming to a conclusion. However, we must act responsibly in accord with the government’s decrees and medical experts’ advice.

The pace of change has quickened, the government’s pronouncements have become more restrictive and the actions of venue managers and others have precipitated us toward a conclusion to cancel – unfortunately, postponement to a different time of year is not a practical option for us.

Consequently, there will be no Festival Fair on Saturday 20 June – no entertainments, music stages, puppet shows, art tent or Colourscape – and we shall not be holding any other events nor publishing the brochure or any other publicity.

We’re obviously not alone in making a decision of this sort, which we regard as resulting from ‘force majeure’.

Pubs, restaurants, theatre, churches, social and recreational clubs are all similarly affected and making similar decisions.

Thank you for giving us your support.

Sorrowfully yours,

Ray Russell, Chairman

Sevenoaks Summer Festival