CLECKHEATON Folk Festival - a significant event on the UK folk calendar - has been postponed until next year.

Organisers say uncertainty over Covid safety restrictions had led to the decision, but have revealed plans for 2022.

The festival has been held in Cleckheaton at the start of July for more than 30 years. Says committee member Jim Saville: "Year on year the standards have been raised to the point where the town was hosting one of the premier folk festivals of the UK. Not necessarily the largest or the greatest, but certainly one of the top contenders and worthy of its reputation as 'The Biggest Little Festival' in the country.

"Sadly 2020’s festival had to be postponed because of the health restrictions in force at the time. Now in 2021 there seems to be a good chance that restrictions may be lifted, but we cannot be certain of this yet so sadly the 33rd festival has been postponed once again.

"The good news is that there will be a 33rd festival in 2022 and it will be even better than before. Knowing the reputation for quality at Cleckheaton all the artistes approached have agreed to carry over their bookings from 2020 to 2022, ensuring the quality that people have come to expect from our festival. Many visitors have already purchased tickets.

At a recent committee meeting the organisers agreed that despite the losses sustained in 2020 and 2021 they were prepared to go ahead next year and pull out all the stops. As well as first class headline artistes in a variety of concerts on July 1, 2 and 3, 2022, there will be the usual smaller concerts, music sessions, sing-a-rounds, street entertainment and dancers that make the event so popular with families, from kids to grandparents. In addition, there will be special performances, workshops and other events.

Artistes will include Peter Knights Gigspanner Big band, the Bella Hardy Trio, Bob Fox, the Wilson Family, Marie Little and Si Barron and the 'merrily manic' Keith Donnolley and Les Barker, collectively known as Idiot & Friend, and local artistes who've gained a national following, such as Kimber’s Men and Den Miller. And perennial favourites include the Saturday Parade, the Family Fun Day on Savoy Square, the folk service at the Methodist Church and the Small Venue Initiative with performers in eateries around town.

Cleckheaton Folk Festival is a presence in the town and the committee is working hard to ensure that will remain in future."

* Visit cleckheatonfolkfestival.org. To enquire about being part of the team contact festival director Dave Minich at info@cleckheatonfolkfestival.org or write to 84 Pyenot Hall Lane, Cleckheaton, BD19 5BA.