Sales threat to proposed music festival in Alresford

9:13am Tuesday 2nd March 2010

By Warwick Payne

A NEW music festival in Alresford might be called off unless ticket sales pick up, organisers have warned.

The line-up for the one-day festival in June includes several Hampshire bands along with headliners, The Counterfeit Stones.

Plenty of people said they planned to attend, but are yet to buy passes, organisers said.

The not-for-profit event is relying on ticket sales because it receives no grants from councils or community groups.

Any profits will go to charity, and organisers are urging music fans and businesses to dip into their pockets.

Organiser, Ken Veitch, said: “It is vitally important that the public understands that their early support is paramount to the festival going ahead.

“We have a marvellous opportunity to make this festival an annual event for the town with the beneficiaries being local charities and local businesses.

“At this point we need the public to support the event by buying tickets as early as possible.”

He added that if the festival did not happen then anyone who bought a ticket would be refunded.

Organisers plan to hold a meeting next month (March) to see if they have enough sales to go ahead.

Festival marketing officer Tim Miller said: “We need as many people in the community to back this exciting event by buying their tickets early. We really need people to embrace the event and to help make it happen.”

Along with urging music fans to buy tickets, the organisers are looking for Hampshire firms to sponsor the festival.

Simon Evans, proprietor of the Naked Grape wine merchants, who chairs Alresford Chamber of Trade, said the event would not be a money-spinner for traders.

“If it did go ahead it would have no effect on trade as it’ll be away from the town and most people will just go to the show.

“Then again, it would be a great shame if it didn’t happen because it’s a good idea and should happen,” he said.

If the festival goes ahead, the main stage will be on the Perins School playing fields.

Along with The Rolling Stones tribute act, the bill includes Winchester bands Scarlet Soho, The Ashbies and Polly and the Billets Doux.

Festival talent advisor, Brian Hayward, said: “We have put together a stunning line up and everyone is eager to make it happen.”

The festival is due to be held on Saturday, June 19. Tickets cost £20 – under-12s go free – and are available from County News and Perins School in Alresford.

They can also be bought at Hayward Guitars in Stockbridge Road, Winchester, or online at www.alresfordmusicfestival.com.