Tickets are selling fast as Blackburn's Restricted Forest WILL return in June, say organisers

Restricted Forest, held in Blackburn's Witton Park will go ahead on Saturday June 26, five days after all legal restrictions on social distancing are due to be lifted as part of the Government's four-step roadmap out of lockdown.

Tickets for the festival went back on sale via Skiddle on Monday night, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a return to 'normal' could be on the cards in less than four months' time; and according to promoters, they've been selling like hot cakes.

Restricted Forest should be back in June

Zander Lawrenson, who runs the Witton Park festival said: "We could not have asked for better news, and finally we have some dates to try and work to.

"It has been so hard over the past 18 months, especially as all deposits had already been paid to agents for the artists we had booked for both the festivals I run.

"Looking at the Government's roadmap, it seems that we could well be the first large festival to return as we try to get the country back to normal.

"The Prime Minister said step four of the roadmap will lift all legal limits on social contact including restrictions on large events, which couldn't have come at a better time as we've had no income for these events coming in at all over the last 18 months."

Restricted Forest should be back in June

Restricted Forest and Restricted Rocks, which is also held in Witton Park and run by Mr Lawrenson, were cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic (along with other major festivals such as Glastonbury, which has been cancelled for the second year running), and festival goers, DJs, bands and artists have been bereft of all the things that keep them ticking.

But Mr Lawrenson insists that if everything goes to plan this will be 'one hell of a day and night for everyone'.

Claudio Bellusci, who runs the Blackburn Nightlife social accounts on Facebook and acts as promoter and DJ at Restricted Forest said: "We are really excited at the prospect of events, festivals and nightclubs being back open to the public.

"It's been an extremely difficult time for everyone in the industry and some have had to take on other jobs just to keep themselves afloat until things return to normal.

"Sadly some venues and festivals may not be able to return.

"However, now that a roadmap has been set by the Government, and people within the industry understand what they can and can't do, we have seen huge movement on getting things back up and running already."

Lenny McCarthy and Becky Clapham at Restricted Rocks, Witton Park, Blackburn.

Mr Lawrenson added: "All we can do now is monitor the situation and keep up to date with the Government announcements, but at this moment in time we are one step closer."

Mr Bellusci agreed: "There are some big plans and people have a lot to look forward to over the coming months.

"I imagine these will be the biggest parties that have happened in a long time as everyone who is anyone will want to be at them, and we can't wait."

Music fans at Restricted Rocks, Witton Park, Blackburn.

Between now and June 26, Mr Lawrenson said he will be working closely with the council and his events team to make sure the event is safe for everyone who attends.

He continued: "Being in Witton Park there is a huge amount of space to work with and with having the right team on board I honestly cannot see why we couldn't have this event.

"The only thing that could stop us is if infection rates increase, which then delays the Government's four step plan.

"But if this does happen everyone who has bought a ticket will be able to transfer this over to the new date or a refund can be issued."

Restricted Forest should be back in June

Restricted Forest Dance Festival will be held on Saturday June 26, with Restricted Rocks Tribute Festival taking place on Saturday August 28 and Sunday August 29, at Witton Park in Blackburn.

For more information visit: skiddle.com