Music fans rejoice as Ribble Valley's socially-distanced outdoor festival is declared a huge success

Saturday saw the UK's first purpose-built socially-distanced outdoor festival take place at Gisburne Park Estate.
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Festival-goers remained in their designated pitches as they attended the pop-up music festival since lockdown, which has created around 100 jobs.

Each pitch was large enough for a social bubble of six and spaced 2.6m apart. Drinks and food were delivered to the hexagonal pitches, eliminating the need for queuing. Manchester DJs Patrick Nazemi, Craig Harrison and Paul Harrison made history providing entertainment as guests danced under the stars whilst observing social distancing rules.

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Ten onsite bell tents provided overnight accommodation for festival goers staying for a weekend.

Drinks enjoyed in the glorious weekend weather at the festival site. Picture by Nik BryantDrinks enjoyed in the glorious weekend weather at the festival site. Picture by Nik Bryant
Drinks enjoyed in the glorious weekend weather at the festival site. Picture by Nik Bryant

Robyn Isherwood, event director of Gisburne Park Pop-up Festival, said: “Our first weekend has been a huge success and we’re grateful for all the guests that joined us, and all of the staff that worked so hard all weekend to create a safe environment for everyone to enjoy themselves.

"All of our guests have been fantastic, sticking to the social distancing guidelines and we’ve seen people really embracing the festival atmosphere in this new way from the comfort of their pitches.

"I’m extremely proud we’ve been able to launch the festival and provide 100 jobs for our industry - I think it’s given us all a real morale boost to get back to doing what we love and given a real kickstart for hospitality and events in the region."

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He added: "We’ve got an exciting schedule lined up for the next seven weeks and we would encourage everyone to come and get involved, whether it’s a sing-a-long movie or Sunday roast with your family, to letting your hair down with our Party in the Park DJs including Hot Since 82 and the Ibiza Orchestra.”

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