Cheltz Fest 2021 Behind Closed Doors ?

[charlie]

I'd imagine they will leave it as late as they possibly can, the members refunds are huge for the course so I'd expect them to give it every chance in the hope of avoiding paying them.
Cut off for hospitality sales will I'm sure be earlier as the logistics involved mean more time is needed to prepare...

True. 16th start and not 9th might make a difference too but I doubt it.

[somer1]

See you alls at The Fest 2022.

[Middle_Of_March]

Deputy Political Editor of The Times on Twitter


Here's the latest I'm hearing on Tier 4 - announcement still be finalised Restrictions will come into effect on 26th or 27th - Boxing Day most likely Essex, Sussex, Surrey, Oxfordshire and Hampshire all look like they're going into Tier 4 There's also talk about Suffolk

Essex is already tier 4. We were announced tier four last week with London which was a kick in the balls.

[Garrison Savannah]

Essex is already tier 4. We were announced tier four last week with London which was a kick in the balls.

The reason Essex gets a mention is that not all of Essex was put into tier 4 last week. A number of places including Colchester stayed in tier 2 and won’t go into tier 4 until Boxing Day.

[Middle_Of_March]

The reason Essex gets a mention is that not all of Essex was put into tier 4 last week. A number of places including Colchester stayed in tier 2 and won’t go into tier 4 until Boxing Day.

True but 90% of Essex was in tier 4 already.

Not that it matters in particular

[Muswell]

Well London was put into tier 4 when the majority of the cases are in North / East London / Essex

[Jorvik]

I'm in tier 2, but really we should be tier 1. Can't even be bothered to get embroiled in any North/Sarf bantz it's been that kind of year. Plus I like Londoner types more than I like most other Northerners. What a time to be alive. Hold me.

[archie]

I'm in tier 2, but really we should be tier 1. Can't even be bothered to get embroiled in any North/Sarf bantz it's been that kind of year. Plus I like Londoner types more than I like most other Northerners. What a time to be alive. Hold me.

[ryanh97]

With Gloucestershire moving into tier 4, and less than 11 weeks until the festival, I think we'll be very very lucky to be attending. I know the tougher restrictions is not unexpected but dropping down 2 tiers with what will essentially be 10 weeks is going to be very tough. Think the default position is behind closed doors and anything better a bonus

[Geordieboy83]

Also another thing to consider the time to go until fest, pubs will struggle too as would really need to be in tier 1 to show it really as tier 2 is outdoor drinking only and no commentary on tv. It is really gonna be touch and go in my opinion.

[Istabraq]

With Gloucestershire moving into tier 4, and less than 11 weeks until the festival, I think we'll be very very lucky to be attending. I know the tougher restrictions is not unexpected but dropping down 2 tiers with what will essentially be 10 weeks is going to be very tough. Think the default position is behind closed doors and anything better a bonus

On the upside, the new Oxford vaccine will start on 4th Jan and it seems the strategy has changed will regard administering the doses and they now plan to get as many single doses as they can and leave up to 12 weeks before applying the second, thus increasing the number of people that will receive (first stage) vaccine.
It's likely that around 15 million people will have had that dose come festival, whether that changes the policy around spectators at sporting events I have no idea but it can't be bad news.
Also, you would like to think that (assuming people take notice of the rules) the tightened restrictions will see a reduction in cases which could easily pave the way for tier reviews that allow people to attend in reduced numbers.
Glass half full.....

[charlie]

The last three weeks have been a nail in the coffin.

The new strain, xmas fallout, mass moving into tier 4, schools being delayed etc. Was all grimly predicted as post Xmas fallout and its happened, big time.

With Cheltenham 11 weeks away and a decision needed in 8-9 weeks I'd say there is zero chance of a meaningful number of spectators being at Cheltenham, and a very very small chance of a few thousand.

[Kautothegreat8]

I'm more concerned as to whether the Irish horses will be able to travel over.

[charlie]

I'm more concerned as to whether the Irish horses will be able to travel over.

I am sure provisions will be made to allow this. It may involve some having to travel sooner rather than later, not too sure. But yeh I agree, no Irish horses would suck

[Istabraq]

I am sure provisions will be made to allow this. It may involve some having to travel sooner rather than later, not too sure. But yeh I agree, no Irish horses would suck

Absolutely no way in my mind will overseas horses be banned from travelling over, just won’t happen...