Richard Ashcroft pulls out of festival because it's a government test event

Richard Ashcroft has pulled out of the Sunday headline slot at Sheffield's Tramlines Festival after it became part of the government’s pilot events programme.

The former The Verve frontman announced on Monday he would take no part in such an event.

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Writing on Instagram, Ashcroft said: “Apologies to my fans for any disappointment but the festival was informed over 10 days ago that I wouldn’t be playing once it had become part of a government testing programme.

“I had informed my agent months ago I wouldn’t be playing concerts with restrictions.

“The status of the festival was one thing when I signed up for it, but, sadly, was forced to become something else.”

Ashcroft finished by saying: “It must be an age thing but the words Government, Experiment and Festival” followed by three laughing emojis and the hashtags “#naturalrebel” and “#theydontownme.”

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Representatives from Tramlines Festival said they were surprised by Ashcroft’s decision, but added a replacement would be found.

The festival will take place from July 23-25 with a full capacity 40,000 audience.

Despite COVID restrictions on all events ending on July 19, research is continuing to build up further data and trial the use of the NHS app, according to the festival’s website.

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Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage MP said the event would provide “vital scientific evidence.”

Attendees will be asked to provide evidence of either a negative COVID-19 test from the previous 48 hours or proof of having both doses of the vaccine.

Previous events that were run as part of the research programme include Circus’ two-day pilot at Bramley Moore Dock and last month’s rock festival Download.

[Via: BBC]

Paddy Edrich is a freelance writer, follow him on Twitter