AS the events industry moves further out of lockdown, one of the county’s most notable music events is returning this summer. 

Lakefest returns to Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury with a host of star names including Sir Tom Jones, who headlines the festival calendar.

Also on the bill are Echo and the Bunnymen, Seasick Steve, Razorlight, The Magic Numbers, Stereo MC’s and a host of other world beating noise-makers.

A Lakefest spokesman said: “The decision to delay our total freedom is sound, and although it hurts us as we have other events that we must now cancel or move backwards, we see the sense.

“It is clear that festival-goers feel as we do, because our ticket sales have not once let up since we relaxed, in part, from lockdown three. It is obvious that they believe too.

“Our heartfelt commiserations to those event organisers who have watched all of their hard work come apart at the seams, and Lakefest this year will set it’s sails in tribute to all of the wonderful gatherings that have been swept from the calender.

“So join Sir Tom Jones, Seasick Steve, Echo and the Bunnymen, Razorlight and the host of extraordinary talent we have assembled for you, under the watchful eye of Eastnor Castle.

“Help us celebrate the return, for all of us, to some semblance of sense and normality.

“We are going to release our last tranche of tickets and when they are gone, they are gone.

“This years event will be one that no one will be able to forget, and to help ensure that: we have one last surprise to announce.

“Watch this space...”

This year will signify a return for Lakefest as organisers were forced to cancel to event in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The festival spokesman added: “This is our 10th year, although it should have been 11.

“The past, though, is another country and as joyous as the memories of previous Lakefest weekends undoubtedly are, our focus now is on the memories we’re about to make.”