Woodhall Spa 1940s Festival Cancelled Due to Rising Costs, Organisers Confirm
The prevailing Woodhall Spa 1940s Festival will not be returning due to rapidly increasing costs, according to the festival committee. It appears that the 2023 event marked the end of the much-loved Festival, as costs have shown no signs of slowing down.
Festival Bid Adieu with "Great Sadness"
Organisers confirmed that the decision was taken with "great sadness", as the next festival was initially scheduled to take place in July 2024. The popular festival, which commenced in 2012, celebrated the remarkable beauty of Woodhall Spa and its proud history.
Increased Costs Impact Festival Viability
In a statement, the organisers highlighted, "Sadly, operating costs have now simply become too high for us to carry on. As our free event has become more popular year-on-year, the costs of keeping so many people safe, secure, well-served with the right infrastructure, like traffic management, medical cover and insurances, and entertained with the wide range of performances and re-enactments any crowd deserves, have risen dramatically."
Future Costs Likely to Surge
The committee members also expressed concerns about future expenses, which are likely to increase even more; meanwhile, their income and reserves have been gradually depleted by external factors. Given these circumstances, the committee concluded that "it is with very heavy hearts that we now have to say a fond goodbye."
A Grateful Farewell to Supporters
Organisers voiced their profound pride in what they achieved with the festival. They expressed their gratitude towards everyone who supported the event since 2012, involved local businesses, volunteers, sponsors, entertainers, partners, and re-enactors, as well as every single person who attended the festival.
As for the winding up process, the committee stated that it "will take some time for us to wind everything up", ensuring lottery vouchers will be honoured and responsibilities to local good causes met.