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Listed below are three statements from the festival organisers, please take the time to read them.
1. Chairman Ray Young.
The Newton Music Festival 2008 has been cancelled for a number of reasons and it is with the greatest regret that I have to make this announcement.
We thought we had covered and supplied all the relevant documentation and assessments required to enable the festival to proceed in the first place. However, in the very short time left to us to begin implementing this procedure, whole heaps of extra paperwork was passed onto us and we were informed that the plans and contingences we had submitted some time ago were insufficient. Had we been informed of this decision sooner we could have rectified the matter months ago and at least been in with a fighting chance. As it stands, we have been unable to apply for sponsorship until all safety requirements had been passed. This fact, coupled with the poor attendance due to very bad weather at last years festival, has left us with a considerable deficit in funding.
The decision to cancel the festival was not made lightly. It took a lot of gut wrenching discussion exploring every possible avenue before it had to be admitted that for this year a festival that for nineteen years has been a part of this towns tradition and an expression of its individuality, could not take place.
We know we have had enormous support from all "fezzy goers", sponsors, donors, certain elements of our local authority and emergency services. Also from our special crew, volunteers and staff. That is why the decision was made with 3 heavy hearts.
To all the bands. artists, performers and staff who have supported us over the years - THANKS!
To all the above and those who won't be able to celebrate the "20th Newton Music Festival" - SO SORRY!
All that is left to say is "Newton Music Festival 2008" R.I.P. but the spirit of the festival will live forever. Here's to 2009!
2. Treasurer Andy Case
It is with great regret we have to announce the cancellation of this year's Newton Music Festival. This is due to a number of factors including massive financial pressure placed on the organisers due to the terrible weather at last years event which was effectively a washout. Also the extra expense incurred to repair the park after the event. An ever increasing pile of paperwork caused by the frequently changing legislation by the council plus a lack of police resources to our town due to other large events taking place in Liverpool and Southport on the same weekend requires us to increase the number of stewards at our event to a level we cannot possibly afford.
The parks manager has instructed us that the fairground has to be cut in size by approximately 60-70% on former years and this also has to be well stewarded. The fairground provider will not commit to attending our event under these terms and as one of the main attractions and financial contributors at the event this is yet another nail in the festival's coffin. We have also been instructed there is no alcohol licence in place for the Sunday of the festival. We have applied for a licence which has been granted under strict terms which include fencing off the bar area and yet more stewards to enforce a no drinking policy outside the fenced off area.
We feel in the very short time we now have before the event we would not be able to comply with all the requirements asked of us by the council, promote our event and ensure he smooth running of the festival with the very limited funds we have available to us.
Once again, our sincerest apologies for cancelling at such short notice. We have tried our best to make it happen this year but it wasn't to be. Have a nice summer and we hope to see you all at next year's event.
Andy.
3. Secretary Sarah Young.
Dear All,
The Newton Music Festival principle organisers regret to inform you that the Newton Music Festival 2008 has to be cancelled.
There are many, many contributing factors that has given us no choice but to make this decision. We can absolutely assure you that it was not a hasty decision and we have done everything we possibly could to avoid this decision. We have put our passions, hearts and souls into it at full steam. But after heartbreaking and extremely difficult discussions, to cancel was the only solution.
Our deepest and sincerest apologies go to everyone involved - volunteers, staff, crew, performers and not least all of you who supported us by attending the festivals over the years. To all of you - so sorry!! Thank you so much for the years of commitment, dedication, passion, support and the memories.
If there was anything else we could do please understand - we would have done it! We cannot stress how disappointed and saddened we are to announce this news.
With our heartfelt apologies, thanks for the music.
Good luck and best wishes
Sarah x x x
N.B.
As time allows, a publication of some format will be produced and made publicly available with a time line of how things transpired.
We may have to take advice on certain issues, but rest assured it will be a true representation of what happened.
We expect to receive a considerable amount of e-mails, texts and phone calls, so if you don't receive an immediate answer to an enquiry please don't think you're being ignored - we will get back to you.
Your thoughts, comments, questions and queries are more than welcome.
Thanks and sorry guys!
N. M. F.
Ray, Sarah and Andy.