The Woodhall Spa 1940s Festival Committee has taken what it calls a tough decision to cancel this year’s event, blaming increased costs as the chief limiting factor.
In a statement the volunteer committee says: “Sadly, operating costs have now simply become too high for us to carry on. As our free event has become more and 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 kind of wide range of performances and re-enactments any crowd deserves, have risen very sharply.
“Those costs also show no signs of easing in future years, in fact they are likely to increase even more. At the same time our income and reserves have been slowly eroded by external factors. As a team of volunteers, we have taken a hard and considered look at the viability of the festival, and it is with very heavy hearts that we now have no choice but to thank everyone who has supported us in any way since 2012 and say a fond goodbye.
“The festival grew from very small acorns planted in our village in 2012 and has, since then, grown to become among the very finest of events found anywhere in the UK. This is a significant feat for an event organised entirely by local volunteers, who simply wanted to celebrate the incredible beauty of Woodhall Spa and commemorate its proud heritage.
“We remain very proud of all we achieved and all we have contributed to our home village. The joy of seeing so many people enjoy the fruits of our labour was always thrilling and the sights and songs will live long in our hearts, as we hope they do in yours.”
The committee says it will be in touch with anyone directly affected, such as those enrolled in the On The Ration Lottery, and asks for patience as the process is completed. “It will take some time for us to wind everything up behind the scenes, but in the meantime, we’ll be working on seeing out our responsibilities to local good causes and honouring lottery vouchers, for example.”
The statement ends with thanks to the local residents, businesses, sponsors, entertainers, reenactors, partners and supporters the committee has worked with for all their talents and contributions, without which the festival would not have been the success it became.”
