• The 2021 RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been postponed until September, for the first time in its history. Queen Elizabeth is seen here at the show in 2018. Getty Images
    The 2021 RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been postponed until September, for the first time in its history. Queen Elizabeth is seen here at the show in 2018. Getty Images
  • It usually takes place in May each year. Garden enthusiasts queue in 2005 for buses during the last day of the Chelsea Flower Show. Getty Images
    It usually takes place in May each year. Garden enthusiasts queue in 2005 for buses during the last day of the Chelsea Flower Show. Getty Images
  • The delayed show will now celebrate the best of autumn horticulture. Getty Images
    The delayed show will now celebrate the best of autumn horticulture. Getty Images
  • People attend the Chelsea Flower Show in May 1912. Getty Images
    People attend the Chelsea Flower Show in May 1912. Getty Images
  • It has been announced that the 2021 Glastonbury Festival will not take place this year. Stormzy headlined the Pyramid Stage the last time the festival took place, in 2019. Getty Images
    It has been announced that the 2021 Glastonbury Festival will not take place this year. Stormzy headlined the Pyramid Stage the last time the festival took place, in 2019. Getty Images
  • "In spite of our efforts to move Heaven and Earth, it has become clear that we simply will not be able to make the festival happen this year. We are so sorry to let you all down." the Glastonbury organisers said. Getty Images
    "In spite of our efforts to move Heaven and Earth, it has become clear that we simply will not be able to make the festival happen this year. We are so sorry to let you all down." the Glastonbury organisers said. Getty Images
  • The Gorillaz perform on the Pyramid Stage at the 2010 Glastonbury Festival, the year the festival celebrated its it's 40th anniversary. Getty Images
    The Gorillaz perform on the Pyramid Stage at the 2010 Glastonbury Festival, the year the festival celebrated its it's 40th anniversary. Getty Images
  • People at the second Glastonbury Festival in 1971, which was the first time a pyramid stage was used. Getty Images
    People at the second Glastonbury Festival in 1971, which was the first time a pyramid stage was used. Getty Images
  • The London Marathon, which is usually held in April, has been delayed to October 2021. Here Shura Kitata, of Ethiopia, crosses the line to win the 2020 London Marathon. Getty Images
    The London Marathon, which is usually held in April, has been delayed to October 2021. Here Shura Kitata, of Ethiopia, crosses the line to win the 2020 London Marathon. Getty Images
  • London Marathon organisers are hoping to make the 2021 event the biggest ever, with a record number of runners taking part. Getty Images
    London Marathon organisers are hoping to make the 2021 event the biggest ever, with a record number of runners taking part. Getty Images
  • Runners pass the Tower of London during the first London Marathon, in 1981. Getty Images
    Runners pass the Tower of London during the first London Marathon, in 1981. Getty Images
  • The Royal Welsh Show has been cancelled until 2022. The agricultural event usually consists of a "wide range of activities including forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, food and drink". Alamy
    The Royal Welsh Show has been cancelled until 2022. The agricultural event usually consists of a "wide range of activities including forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, food and drink". Alamy
  • Then British prime minister Theresa May visits the Royal Welsh Show in 2018. Getty Images
    Then British prime minister Theresa May visits the Royal Welsh Show in 2018. Getty Images
  • Auditions for the 2021 edition of Britain's Got Talent have been postponed, with reports suggesting the show could be cancelled for the year. Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Ant McPartlin, David Walliams, Declan Donnelly and Simon Cowell arrive at the 2019 auditions at the London Palladium. Getty Images
    Auditions for the 2021 edition of Britain's Got Talent have been postponed, with reports suggesting the show could be cancelled for the year. Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Ant McPartlin, David Walliams, Declan Donnelly and Simon Cowell arrive at the 2019 auditions at the London Palladium. Getty Images
  • Britain's Got Talent contestants queue to audition in Manchester. Alamy
    Britain's Got Talent contestants queue to audition in Manchester. Alamy
  • The 2021 Jersey Boat Show has also been cancelled. 'Due to the continuing restrictions surrounding the staging of large-scale public events during the current Covid pandemic, this year’s Barclays Jersey Boat Show will not take place as planned in May 2021,' organisers said. Alamy
    The 2021 Jersey Boat Show has also been cancelled. 'Due to the continuing restrictions surrounding the staging of large-scale public events during the current Covid pandemic, this year’s Barclays Jersey Boat Show will not take place as planned in May 2021,' organisers said. Alamy
  • British Athletics have cancelled the 2021 national indoor championships, which were due to be staged in Glasgow in February. Getty Images
    British Athletics have cancelled the 2021 national indoor championships, which were due to be staged in Glasgow in February. Getty Images
  • Athletics superstar Katarina Johnson-Thompson takes part in the indoor championships in 2019. Getty Images
    Athletics superstar Katarina Johnson-Thompson takes part in the indoor championships in 2019. Getty Images

Music

UK's Covid-cancelled events and festivals in 2021 - in pictures

Annual fixtures such as London Marathon and Chelsea Flower Show have been affected by pandemic

Tim Kiek
Jake Badger

January 28, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Last Thursday, the news dropped that many a music lover was dreading: for the second consecutive year, Glastonbury would not take place.

Its organisers, Michael and Emily Eavis, released a statement expressing their "great regret" and saying they moved "heaven and earth" to try to get the show on the road/field.

The mud-caked musical extravaganza is not the only UK event to feel the effects of continued Covid uncertainty in 2021.

Despite being swiftly out of the vaccination traps, there is no realistic prospect that life in Britain would return to the sort of normality required for events such as Glastonbury and the London Marathon to take place safely.

And with the insurance sector refusing to cover Covid-based cancellations, there is no incentive for the entertainment industry to gamble.

Sorrowful viewing it may be, but the gallery above depicts some of the flagship UK events that have already been cancelled or delayed in 2021.

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