Uncertainty hangs over major events
ORGANISERS are scrambling to plan events this year but a number of national celebrations are under threat.
Cheltenham Festival (March 16-19) Expected to go ahead but restrictions would have to be lifted to allow spectators.
Grand National (April 8-10)
Held virtually last year but looks set for the off in April with fewer spectators or behind closed doors.
Aintree is waiting for Boris Johnson’s lockdown roadmap.
Royal Ascot (June 15-19)
Organisers have not confirmed details, saying that due to “current uncertainty as to when we will be able to welcome spectators back to Ascot Racecourse, we are currently not selling tickets for Royal Ascot 2021”.
Wimbledon (June 28-July 11)
The Grand Slam tennis tournament is set to return. The Lawn Tennis Association said it is “planning for a number of scenarios” and remained “cautiously optimistic” that fans could attend all tournaments.
Chelsea Flower Show (September 21-26) Postponed to September for the first time in its history. Organisers had hoped this year’s event would be in May as usual with extra health and safety, including reducing numbers and adding an extra day.
But they said there was no guarantee what tier London would be in by then.
The BBC Proms It is yet to be announced whether the 2021 season will go ahead due to the pandemic and social distancing.
The festival usually takes place between July and September, with the majority of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall.
Glastonbury Festival The festival has been cancelled for the second year in a row amid the pandemic crisis.
Organisers Michael and Emily Eavis said they tried to “move heaven and earth” to make the event a reality in 2021.
Glastonbury, which had been earmarked for June, will not be rescheduled this year.