Organisers of the Isle of Wight’s Fairweather Festival have announced that the event won’t be returning in 2019 due to substantial financial losses.
This year’s event did not turn a profit and therefore the festival has been unable to raise any funds for their chosen charity, the Isle of Wight Youth Trust.
Organiser Callum Fairweather has today said:
““Since watching Mumford & Sons at Bestival in 2010, it had always been my dream to one day create my very own festival so that people can experience the incredible feelings I felt whilst watching them. After suffering from serious mental health issues myself, I put all my energy into the idea of creating an event which creates those feelings but that also makes a difference and has a positive impact to mental health.
“The past two years have been a whirlwind as I’ve learnt how ruthless the live events industry is. For someone of my age to dare to attempt an event of this scale is unheard of anywhere. You, the wonderful people who have come along to the two Fairweather Festival’s have only seen its’ successes and the smiles and the laughter that go with it.
“For me and behind the scenes however, it’s been a completely different story. I am absolutely devastated to announce that due to the Festival’s substantial financial losses this year, we were unable to raise any money for our chosen charity, The Isle of Wight Youth Trust. I’m heartbroken. I tried my absolute hardest to create the best event I possibly could for a reason so close to my heart but unfortunately behind the scenes this year things went incredibly wrong.
“The reasons come down to trying to grow too quickly and unfortunately the numbers attending didn’t match our expectations and ambitions. The blame, quite rightly so, is with myself as the organiser. I am currently looking into all possible solutions to solve any outstanding financial commitments.
“Due to both the above financial situation and my own personal mental health, I’m also devastated to announce that, as things stand, 2018 was the final Fairweather Festival.
Article continues below this advertisement “Lastly, I want to leave everything behind with this message: It really is OK to not be OK. Sometimes we feel like everything and everyone is against us and there will never be a way out. Sometimes you might feel like you just can’t take it anymore. Trust me, a problem shared is a problem halved. Take that one step and talk to SOMEONE. ANYONE. It might just save you. Thank you for the memories”.
A number of Island businesses are still owed thousands of pounds following the running of the event on 31st August/1st September.
