Country & Western cancelled

Covid-19 has claimed another high profile Welshpool victim after the annual Country & Western Festival announced it will not go ahead for a second year.

The event has been a mainstay on the town’s social calendar since 1988 and raises vital funds for the Heulwen Trust, a Welshpool charity that provides canal trips for the less abled.

But due to the ongoing uncertainty caused by Covid-19, organisers announced last night that they have accepted defeat for this July and will now focus on 2022.

“It is with regret that we announce that in 2021 there will not be a Welshpool Country and Western Show,” they announced in a statement.

“We are sorry to disappoint our loyal followers who enjoyed the show over the years but we hope it is understood that we have had to make a decision at a time of uncertainty and a time when we need to start to prepare for the show.

“At present we have lockdown with a Welsh Government saying that the English road map is optimistic to think about lifting social distancing “not before” June 21 and rumours saying there may be four weeks delay in that date.

“We do not know what (and whether we would be able to comply with) precautions that may be introduced and cannot prepare a show in such uncertainty.

“We hoe you will understand the reasons for our decision bearing in mind that our priority is to provide a venue for the Welshpool Country and Western Show can remain safe for our visitors traders/caterers and staff.

“We hope that 2022 will provide a more stable environment to stage the event.”

Previously, the Heulwen Trust has revealed that it costs over £30,000 per year to run the boats, with their main source of funding coming through the Country & Western Music Festival.