AFTER a long, three year wait, Dawlish’s answer to Glastonbury is back. 

Following the COVID pandemic and various setbacks, the popular family music festival SnookyFest will make a return this summer.

Founder Caz Steffens has announced that organisers are now able to revive the event which raises money for the Snooky Trust charity.

Caz, who was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2018, said: ‘It’s with an overwhelmingly happy heart and a huge smile on my face that I can finally announce that after three very long and turbulent years, SnookyFest is back.’

The festival will take place on July 8 at Warren Farm in Dawlish Warren.

Caz explained: ‘We will all be able to dance in the sunshine with our families and friends again. It’s been so overdue.

‘As always thank you to everyone who has bared with us during this time, and for your continued support it is as always so gratefully received.’

Previous festivals had to be cancelled  but tickets bought for 2020 will be valid this year. 

Organisers have records of ticket sales from last year so anyone who bought them will be allowed straight in the gates.

Last year’s festival was cancelled having also been hit previously by Covid restrictions.

Launched in 2017, SnookyFest was the brainchild of Caz who founded the charity in memory of her brother Chris ‘Snooky’ Snook, who died in 2007 aged 27.

Fundraising began with a small charity shop in Queen Street and after the shop closed in 2016, Caz started the festival the following year.

The Snooky Trust charity raises funds to help 18 to 40-year-olds with a physical illness

There had been hopes to run the festival last year but circumstances meant it had to be cancelled.

The event features live music, family entertainment, food and stalls.