Will former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown still headline Sheffield's Tramlines this year after Covid-19 vaccination row?

The Stone Roses’ frontman is a vocal vaccination sceptic, and confirmed he would no longer be headlining the Neighbourhood Weekender festival in Warrington, which is now due to take place this September.

Speaking on Twitter, Brown, who describes himself as an “anarchist” in his bio on the social media site, said: “My Saturday night headline show at NHBD Weekender Festival will now not happen! I refuse to accept vaccination proof as condition of entry.Refunds are available! X”

The festival’s organisers said they would comply with the Covid-19 guidelines set out by the local authority.

Brown is also expected to headline this year’s Tramlines Festival, causing some to question whether he will still take to the stage at Hillsborough Park – should it go ahead.

Tweeting Brown directly, Helen Wingrave said: “Will you play Tramlines if it goes ahead? Hopefully they will not be so fixed to the agenda.”

Chloe Howell added: “Tramlines need to announce Ian Brown replacement asap.”

The organisers of Sheffield’s Tramlines festival have been approached for comment, and have not yet responded.

The provisional roadmap out of lockdown, as set out by the Government last month, states that all coronavirus restrictions could be lifted from June 21 this year should all go to plan.

But uncertainty still remains over whether UK festivals will take place as planned this year, after the organisers of Download confirmed they would be joining Glastonbury in postponing until next year.

The Isle of Wight festival is now set to take place in September, instead of the weekend before June 21, while the organisers of Leeds and Reading confirmed they still intend to go-ahead with the multi-site music event over the August bank holiday weekend.

The last word from the organisers of Tramlines, which is currently scheduled to take place between July 23-25 this year, came last week.

"Following the government’s roadmap announcement this week, the road to Tramlines 2021 is looking more positive,” a spokesperson said on the festival’s website.

They added: “There may be bumps in the road ahead, but fear not, we’re doing absolutely everything we can to throw Sheffield that much needed party in Hillsborough Park.

"Keep an eye out for more news soon.

“We’ll be working with the local authorities and following all the latest guidance, but rest assured if we aren’t able to go ahead, all ticket holders will be able to rollover to Tramlines 2022 or given the opportunity to claim a refund.⁣"

READ MORE:

- Sheffield nightclubs and festivals reveal reopening plans after Boris Johnson announces road map out of lockdown

- Tramlines in Sheffield has given an update on the 2021 festival as Glastonbury is cancelled

- Boss of Sheffield brewery True North reveals plans for reopening his beer gardens next month

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.