Inglefest to return in 2025 after fans donate £10,000

A music festival facing permanent closure says it has been ‘saved’ by an online crowdfunding campaign.

Inglefest, which is held in Wickwar, South Gloucestershire, had problems with rising costs and canceled this year’s event.

But donations from the public mean it has now reached a funding target of £10,000.

“You have collectively saved Inglefest EVERYONE,” said co-organiser Dom Mosley.

Posting on Facebook, he thanked fundraisers for their help.

“You’ve achieved something truly incredible and it’s an amazing story against the backdrop of other festivals that fit into the current climate.

“The community spirit shown for Inglefest and folk music is hugely valuable and we’re beyond ecstatic that you’ve helped save us,” he added.

Organizers have confirmed that the event will now return in 2025.

Inglefest, which has been running since 2013, said it suffered its biggest financial losses ever in 2023.

After the cancellation of the 2024 event, the organizers turned to crowdfunding through Kickstarter.

“By covering the (cost) increases, we will now be able to meticulously plan Inglefest 2025 and any future events, with much more awareness of festivals regardless of the financial climate they are in, and plan and react effectively to any changing tide. ” a spokesman said.

“We will also spend 2024 applying for various council or organization-led funding streams alongside this project and looking at other fundraising avenues to support events in 2025 and beyond.”

The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) requested more government aid to help grassroots festivals.

A spokesman for HM Treasury said the events were “a vital part of British culture” and added that the government had recently expanded its Grassroots Music Support Fund by £5m “to cover festivals and provide additional support’.

But the AIF said the situation is the worst it has ever been and is calling for a reduction in VAT on ticket sales.

A spokesman for HM Treasury said there were no plans to reduce VAT on ticket sales, but explained there were grants available.

“We continue to work closely with the sector to understand the issues that festivals face,” they added.