Following the recent government delay in the lifting of all restrictions to 19 July at the earliest, plus continuing uncertainty surrounding the impact of the latest Covid variant, Sole Fashion is postponing its summer edition.

Commenting is Penny Robinson, director of the footwear and fashion trade show. “This is hugely disappointing, particularly after the positive reaction to the recent relaunch of Sole Fashion. However, with the prolonged period of instability, we simply cannot guarantee to our exhibitors and visitors that we will be able to deliver the August 2021 event to the standards required.

“Whilst there is a strong appetite for a dedicated footwear and fashion event on favourable dates, we must be sensible and take this difficult decision in light of the recent events. Our aim is to provide a safe environment where exhibitors and visitors feel confident returning to a live event, free from imposed restrictions. We look forward to better times and returning on 27-28 February 2022.”

Sole Fashion was launched in February 2020 by ex-Moda event director Penny Robinson. Ex-Moda Footwear event director, Sean O’Connor, also joined Sole Fashion in April 2021.

The trade show’s venue, CBS Arena (formerly Ricoh Arena), has recently undergone work via a £7.5 million development programme. This includes adding state-of-the-art facilities within the exhibition halls.

For further information on the show, please click here.