It’s been revealed that Ruddington’s much loved annual Beer and Cider Festival – which usually attracts thousands of visitors – will not be taking place this June as planned, due to continuing concerns about COVID-19.
The decision was made in the wake of the Government’s ‘roadmap’ announcement on Monday that restrictions on large events and some hospitality will not be lifted until June 21st at the earliest – which is after the originally scheduled RuddFest 2021 dates of June 3rd-6th. Last year’s event was first postponed and then cancelled altogether because of the Coronavirus outbreak. At least this year, with the vaccine rollout now well underway, there’s hope that some ‘normality’ can return to village life in time for the summer.
Organiser John Noble is very optimistic RuddFest will happen, albeit later than usual: “We are looking around the August Bank Holiday so, hopefully, we can benefit from some lovely weather and everyone being able to enjoy being outside in the sunshine” he says. “We thought it would be good for the village, all the business and everyone’s morale to try and put RuddFest on in 2021. As of yet it’s a ‘pencilled’ commitment because, as we all know, things can change overnight. But we are starting to make plans and get ourselves ready to pull it out of the hat. We just need to wait until closer to the time for the confirmation on numbers allowed, etc.”
If the beer festival had gone ahead on its original June dates, it may in fact have been rather a challenge for organisers. Ruddington Village Market run by RVCP is now also held on The Green, on the first Saturday of each month (although currently ‘on hold’ until at least April 3rd). The revised late August dates being mooted would not cause such a ‘clash’. Discussions will now be taking place with Ruddington Parish Council and other venues about the suggested, new RuddFest plans. The festival normally takes place at other pubs and venues around our village, as well as from the dedicated marquee on The Green.
Meantime John, who also runs The Three Crowns on Easthorpe Street, says times have been very tough indeed: “It was a massively disastrous 2020 for everyone. Not only have we lost people to COVID, people have lost jobs and livelihoods also. It’s been an absolute stretch to everyone’s mental and emotional well-being. The impact of COVID on non essential businesses has been terrible, and the uncertainty of your future very worrying at times”.
He adds: “That being said, there is now some light at the end. We know the people of Rudd love their village and what it has to offer. I am 100% sure they will be out in force supporting us all on our return to trading, and we can’t wait to see everyone!”
We’ll bring you further news on RuddFest, and other village events returning in the coming months, here at RUDDINGTON.info.
