Reading and Leeds festivals to return for 2021 following 'roadmap' announcement

Reading and Leeds music festivals and Birmingham Pride are among major events to announce they will go ahead this summer, after the government released its roadmap out of lockdown.

On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out his plan for unlocking the economy, including a target of allowing larger events and nightclubs to reopen from 21 June.

This date will be contingent on the vaccine rollout, infection rates and no new variants of concern arising.

However, the PM has been openly discussing the use of rapid testing and even vaccine passports, as a potential “route forward” to opening industries that have been “the toughest nuts to crack”.

In a major sign that confidence is building amongst the events industry, multiple organisers have confirmed that they plan to go ahead this year.

The organisers of sister music festivals Reading and Leeds tweeted on Wednesday: "Following the Government's recent announcement, we can't wait to get back to the fields this summer. LET'S GO."

The booking website crashed due to a flood of demand.

Known for their mix of rap, rock and pop, the events normally have a combined capacity of over 180,000 and are set to happen over the August bank holiday weekend.

Birmingham Pride has also announced it will go ahead on 25th and 26th of September.

In a statement posted online, they said: “After a hugely challenging and distressing year for all of us, and following the latest government information on the ending of lockdown restrictions... we are delighted to announce... the new dates for this year's Birmingham Pride.”

Director Lawrence Barton told LBC it was “just unbelievable” that the 50,000 event would be going ahead.