Popular Sheffield festival cancelled for second year running over Covid fears

The annual Lowedges Festival, which has been run by the Greenhill and Bradway Tenants and Residents' Association for 12 years, was scheduled to take place this year following last year's cancellation due to the virus outbreak.

The event, which is Sheffield s biggest free festival that features classic car and bike show, stalls and rides, attracts up to 15,000 visitors each year.

Stephen Rich, Lowedges Festival treasurer, expressed his regret that they had to cancel this year's event yet again.

He said: "With deep regret and after many hours of fundraising, we have had to decide to cancel for 2021.

"Although we are Sheffield's biggest free festival, with the largest classic vehicle show combined, and despite raising several thousand by donations of offers for free children's rides, our main people who pay for all the basics, decided that all funds for Covid causes priority.

"Although many wished to help and even one company wanted to offer a free beach area, without the £7,000 for the H&S council officer, insurance, fencing, toilets etc, we can't go ahead.

"We did try and hope to be back in 2022. Sorry we did try."

Lowedges Festival is a family friendly event that attracts thousands of people each year that includes a fun fair with some free children’s rides, over 150 stalls, car boot area, farmers market and one of the local favourites, large reenactment and living history area.