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| Let us in! But will there be a Birdfair in 2021? |
Although there are hopes that the pandemic may be on the wane, it is still unclear how soon festivals will be able to resume.
says the Trust's chief executive, Tim Graham: "We are still watching the news about Covid-9 very closely to decide whether Birdfair 2021 will be able to go ahead.
"We will be making contact with everyone and intend to provide updates later this month and in March."
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| Tim Graham - watching closely |
The cancellation of last year's event caused both administrative and financial headaches for the trust.
These came on top of heavy costs incurred to make the showground safe during the 2019 event which was hit by heavy rain, turning much of the site into a quagmire.
This also led to fewer visitors and reduced income.
The departure last year, in mysterious circumstances, of its co-founder Tim Appleton has also cast a shadow.
In a statement, Tim Graham continues: "The cancellation of the 2020 live event has meant that, unfortunately, the operating costs for the financial year 2020/2021 were unsupported, putting the continuation of Birdfair at risk.
"After negotiations with The Wildlife Trust’s Strategic Development Fund and Emergency Covid funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, the trust has managed to secure bridging finance for Birdfair until March 2021 to help it reach and resume normal operations.
"I am sure you will agree this demonstrates a strong commitment to the future of the event."
He concludes: "We are very proud that, since it began in 1989, Birdfair has raised over £5 million for nature conservation.
"It has helped birds from albatrosses to white-winged guans and help to protect ecosystems that are under threat of extinction across the globe.
"I should like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who works so hard to make it such a success."
Below: pictures from previous Birdfair years
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