The latest music event to fall victim to the global coronavirus pandemic is the "End of the Road," as the organizers postponed the event to 2021, in a statement earlier Wednesday, May 20.
"There is a first time for everything and this year has been a series of first, big time," the statement began. The organizers expressed hope they would somehow be spared before having to postpone the event until 2021.
Officially hosted in the historic Larmer Tree Gardens on the border of Dorset and Wiltshire, this year's "End of the Road" festival was originally scheduled for September 3 to 6 in what would have been its 15th anniversary.
In the statement, the organizers stood by their decision that it was "the right decision for everyone; for our audience, performers, staff and crew, vendors, real ale purveyors, the gardeners who cut the grass and feed the peacocks, the local community, the hard-working NHS staff and key workers, and for all those affected beyond our hedges."
The music event focused indie acts in the rock and folk genres was tentatively moved to September 2 to 5, 2021. Musicians Pixies, King Krule, Big Thief, Aldous Harding, Little Simz, and Bright Eyes have already confirmed to be a part of the postponed event.
Organizers have also assured that they will be contacting the ticket buyers with further details in an upcoming announcement. They have also committed to providing news and updates with regard to the rescheduled event.
"End of the Road" was the latest to follow suit among UK music festivals being canceled or postponed because of the global pandemic, with the entire United Kingdom looking to maintain their shelter-in-place and social distancing protocols for the rest of the year. Last March 30, music agent and Isle of Wight Festival organizer John Giddings said in an interview with NME that the decision to postpone was "tragic but a no-brainer," considering the situation. While the decision was "unavoidable," the organizers vowed a "stronger than ever" 2021 return. The festival was set to feature performances from Lionel Richie, Lews Capaldi, and Duran Duran.
Another canceled event was the Derbyshire "Y Not," slated for the July 24-26 weekend and was supposed to be headlined by Royal Blood, Bombay Bicycle Club, and Richard Ashcroft. The event made the announcement via Instagram on May 15, saying that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, they "have taken the difficult decision to cancel this year's festival."
The indie music festival generally lasts for four days, from Thursday afternoon up until Sunday, offering entertainment in its four stages which showcase different shows. There are also comedy shows, a film showing tent, a library, as well as a gaming area for visitors. For late-night festivities, the festival offers DJ playing their sets, a silent disco floor, and karaoke.
The first incarnation of the "End of the Road" festival was headlined by Americana artist and Royal City Band member Josh Ritter. Two years later, the event started becoming a sellout event in 2008 and has always been sold out in advance in the years after.
