Cornwall's Looe Live Festival has been cancelled
Organisers say they had no alternative due to the cost of living crisis and rising costs
Last updated 26th Aug 2022
Cornwall's Looe Live Festival 2022 has been cancelled, with organisers saying they made the decision with "heavy hearts".
The Looe Live page says the team has worked "tirelessly" throughout the "most challenging of times" to bring the festival back to Looe this year but despite best efforts, the numbers are "not in our favour".
It continues: "The impact of the cost-of-living crisis, significantly increased production and infrastructure costs, lack of confidence in ticketed events and a very competitive market are just some of the main factors we're up against.
"We understand many will be disappointed by the news. Please know that we've poured everything into Looe Live and considered all possible options, but very sadly this is the tough call that needs to be made at this time".
A statement on the Looe Live website says tickets will be refunded and suppliers paid in full.
Charity Looe Saves The Day says it was informed of the decision by the festival's commercial organisers, South West Bars and Events (SWB&E) on Thursday, calling it "disappointing".
Trustee Simon Barker said: "Although the community element of the festival is managed by our charity, we are reliant on the infrastructure provided by SWB&E. Whilst we looked at whether we could still stage this part of the festival, the loss of this SWB&E framework and the incredibly short timescale of less than three weeks to make alternative arrangements, means that we have been left with no choice but to also cancel the community zone activities".
The charity has thanked local residents, artists, community groups and businesses who had been working with them to prepare for this year's event, those who offered to volunteer and Tim Vigus and the team at SWB&E for "trying so hard to manage the commercial side of the festival".
Simon continued: "While Looe Live 2022 is not going ahead, there are still many fantastic things to do in our town and we would encourage people who have booked accommodation or planned to visit the festival to come and see what else Looe has to offer.
"We remain committed to the principle of staging a community based festival in Looe. None of the charity’s finances are affected by this decision and we will be looking at options for staging an event next year".