Lake District Summer Music’s 2020 Festival cancelled

It is with very great regret that I write on behalf of the Trustees of LDSM, to tell you that we have taken the decision to cancel our 36th Summer Festival, which was to have taken place in the first two weeks in August.

The Trustees met (by video conference) on Friday 3 April and decided, reluctantly but unanimously, that in the light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis there really was no alternative. Current restrictions on movement and social distancing requirements seem likely to continue for months, not just weeks as originally hoped, and most of the venues we use are now closed for the foreseeable future.

We have already been in touch with artists, Festival Team members and volunteers and the many others who contribute so much, and so generously, to LDSM year after year. We are very much aware of the hardship the current crisis will bring to freelance musicians and we have made a commitment, where possible, to include artists who would have participated this year in our future plans.

We rely heavily on the support of funding bodies and the generosity of individual donors. Inevitably we have already incurred significant expenses in preparation for the 2020 Festival, and it is our hope that we may rely on ongoing support from all those who made commitments to help us this year. Those wishing to help sustain LDSM over the difficult period ahead can do so in one of the ways set out below.

As the crisis recedes, it is our hope that LDSM, along with the many other similar bodies in the region, will re-emerge and be in a position to continue to make a major contribution to the cultural life and well-being of the Lake District. In the meanwhile, as some small consolation for the loss of live music this summer, we invite you to look at the wide range of video recordings of masterclasses from previous years’ Festivals that are available here. They illustrate what has always been one of LDSM's strengths – rising young musicians and major performers working together – as well as making inspiring and instructive viewing.

Gordon Hands
Chairman of Trustees
Lake District Summer Music

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