The Lake Garden Music Festival

Eridge Park, near Tunbridge Wells.

Friday 9th - Sunday 11th September 2022

13 June 2022 UPDATE

So many things have changed since August last year when we announced the return of our festival. We had secured the wonderful venue of Eridge Park for September this year and were busily organising bands etc.
 
However, a new Covid variant Omicron appeared in November which impacted our society and of course the world. Our governments Plan A followed by Plan B not only affected the Christmas activities, but also dented the confidence of those seeking to plan visits to mass gatherings – such as theatres and summer outdoor events.
 
The outbreak of war in Ukraine on the 24^th February, has globally increased energy prices, contributed to high levels of inflation and has generally added to the uncertainty that currently prevails. The significant pressure on household finances has clearly affected the music festival industry, so much so that music festivals (many much bigger than ours) are increasingly postponing to 2023. Like everyone, we are now experiencing significant cost increases through revised quotes affected by the current fuel rises and increased staffing costs.
 
The new and smaller festivals are currently struggling. The more established larger festivals have, in many cases ‘rolled over’ from Covid postponements and have retained around 85% of tickets originally sold. New festivals do not have this advantage. On the 4th June, the Guardian newspaper covered this topic and is well worth a read here.
 
We believe that further increases in inflation, bank interest rate rises, and another increase in the October energy price cap, will inflict further pressure on household finances.
 
Myself, and the festival committee are therefore saddened to inform you today, that this year’s festival will be postponed until early September 2023. Naturally, many of you will be disappointed. We have already contacted the bands booked, and can confirm that most, depending on schedules, will 'roll over' their performances.
 
All those who have purchased tickets will today be informed over the options regarding refunds or rolling over.
We know that most of you will keep faith with our festival.

Once again, myself and the committee are saddened by todays announcement, but the events which have contributed to the current economic climate are of course outside our control. We will deliver a brilliant event next year.

Mel Fordham, Promoter
Lake Garden Music Festival Committee