A FOOD festival has confirmed it will return this summer - and key workers will be offered complimentary tickets.
Pub in the Park will go ahead at Chichester College on July 24 and 25, and tickets will go on sale on March 19.
The "ultimate foodie festival" launched by TV chef Tom Kerridge, brings together chefs, artisan producers and performing artists to offer a weekend of food, drink and music.
The festival is touring across eight venues over the summer and is offering 1,000 free tickets to healthcare workers and key workers in each town.
Tom Kerridge said: “After the year we’ve had, I think everyone deserves a good-knees up – and what better way to do it than Pub in the Park.
"We’re so excited to be doing what we do best, bringing back our feel-good festival to the towns we love and filling it with lush music and proper good food.
“Key workers have been the true superheroes of this pandemic and we want to say thanks by offering 1000 complimentary tickets in each of our towns so these superstars can let their hair down while enjoying some awesome music and lush grub.”
Pub in the Park will be working with NHS trusts, the emergency services and local people to allocate the free tickets.
Festival goers will be able to sample dishes from acclaimed pubs and restaurants, including Tom Kerridge’s two Michelin starred Marlow pub The Hand & Flowers and Jodie Kidd’s The Half Moon Inn in Kirdford.
Chefs Andi Oliver, Matt Tebbutt and Atul Kochar will be showing off their cooking skills and acts set to perform include Gabrielle, Craig Charles, Jack Savoretti, Soul II Soul, Toploader and Rudimental, plus more to be announced.
The festival has been awarded the Visit Britain "Good to Go" certification, which means the tour will have Covid-19 safety measures in place, as required in accordance with government restrictions.
Chris Hughes, chief executive at Brand Events, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing back our brilliant food, drink and music festival to eight towns in 2021.
"All of our events are flexible, adaptable and ready to get even more free as the country begins to unlock.
"We’re ready to bring the public some much needed fun – watch out for more line-up announcements and tickets on-sale soon."
For more information visit www.pubintheparkuk.com.
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