Festival cancelled over ‘funding fears’ following Queen’s death

Concerns have been raised over the way in which a festival due to take place two days after the death of the Queen was cancelled amid suggestions that future funding could be jeopardised if it went ahead.

Hull Folk and Maritime Festival, a music festival that has been has been running since 2012, was due to take place on Saturday (10 September), but was cancelled the day before the event.

The organisers, Folk in Hull, said the decision was made due to concerns that allowing the festival to go ahead would impact future funding.

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"Our core funders felt that it would be inappropriate to continue with our programme given the period of national mourning, and that the negative perception had we done so could jeopardise future funding," a statement on the charity's website said.

"We are devastated and send our sincere apologies to all of our performers and those who were planning to come along."

Advice published by the Cabinet Office in relation to the official mourning period says there is no expectation that events or sporting fixtures be cancelled or postponed, or that entertainment venues should be closed, adding that the decision is at the discretion of individual organisations.

Guidance previously issued by ACE in 2016 suggests that organisations review their planned activities to “make sure they still feel appropriate”, such as parties, celebratory occasions, comedy programmes and scheduled tweets.

'Jeopardising the festival'

A Facebook post by the festival organisers said "a big chunk" of the funding for the festival comes from Hull Maritime, a major regeneration project led and funded by Hull City Council, with significant funding from The National Lottery Fund.

"Basically, if it is noted that Hull City Council were condoning or supporting an event this weekend, any future funding would be jeopardised, which in turn jeopardises the festival," the post states.

"It's annoying, but our hands are tied. After months of hard work, we are as disappointed as anyone."

However, Hull City Council has denied that there was any pressure placed on Hull Folk to cancel the event.

A spokesperson for Hull City Council said: "The Hull Maritime project team met with organisers at their request to discuss the festival and the challenges of the situation. The team made it clear any decision to cancel had to be made by the organisers.

"Support to assist with any consequential incurred costs was offered if the organisers chose to cancel and this is currently under discussion with them."

There has been a mixed response to the decision to cancel the event.

One person responded to the Facebook post relating to the cancellation by saying: "This is so disappointing, especially after being locked down for so long through covid. 

"What a shame that 'showing respect' and 'mourning' can't be seen to be achieved through communities coming together through music."

Another person commented: "It definitely wasn’t the correct thing to do. This festival could, and I’m sure would, have paid respect to the life and achievements of [Queen Elizabeth II} and been a fantastic celebration of her life. 

"Those who think cancelling everything is appropriate are deranged. The artists, restaurants, hotels, pubs, cafes etc etc are having enough problems without all this virtue signalling nonsense."

Right decision

However, others felt cancellation was the correct decision.

"Our monarch has passed, our nation must mourn," one person stated. 

"It may seem ‘old fashioned’ but thank God most of us still have the decency to hold that old fashioned honour in our hearts."

A further comment added: "Fully understand the dilemma. Thanks to the organisers for their hard work and planning. Disappointing for all but the right thing to do. Good luck for the next time and RIP Your Majesty."

The funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II will take place on Monday (19 September) which has been designated as a public bank holiday, after which the national period of mourning will officially end.