ORGANISERS of a family-friendly festival in Ross-on-Wye are pushing ahead with plans for this year’s instalment, despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Gavin Oates, the man behind

OllieFest, revealed that, as it stands, the popular music event is still going ahead as planned in August.

He explained: “We are following government advice and at the moment the festival is still going ahead.

“We are carrying on full steam ahead. All of the bands are booked and the stages are ready.”

Mr Oates added: “It is in God’s hands now. August is a long time away. There is no point saying we will cancel it now and then in six weeks’ time everything is okay.”

OllieFest was set-up in 2015 in response to the death of Ross Rugby Club member Ollie Floyd, who died aged 20.

The festival, which is held at Ross Rugby Club, was launched as a way to bring the community together.

OllieFest is a not-for-profit event with all money raised being pumped back into the area’s charities.

Mr Oates said he and his team were toying with different ideas to celebrate NHS workers at this year’s event.

One of the ideas being kicked around is to give healthcare workers free access to the festival.

OllieFest, which drew in more than 12,000 punters last year, is set to take place from August 28 until August 30.

Bands set to grace the stage include British band EMF, best known for their international smash-hit song Unbelievable, and Bristol-based dance act Dr Meaker.

Blues Brothers, Guns N Roses, Mumford and Sons and Kings of Leon tribute bands will also been entertaining the crowds.