Tom HallOrganisers of Wheels and Fins Festival said poor ticket sales hit the event’s bottom line, forcing liquidation.
The event, which was set to take place in Joss Bay, Kent from 7-8 September, combined internationally acclaimed live acts, DJs, pro-skateboarders, and beach-based activities such as yoga, surfing and paddle boarding.
This year was set to feature a line-up curated by the band Slaves. Last year’s event featured curation by The Libertines.
Their statement read: “Thank you for your patience over the past weeks. During this time, we have worked tirelessly, meeting with new investors and legal representatives to try and salvage Wheels and Fins, but it is with an unbelievable amount of sadness that we must inform you that the festival will be going into liquidation shortly. Creditors will receive notice of this from Quantuma LLP in due course, but should you require any information in the meantime they can be contacted on 01273 322400 or alternatively you can email Maxine.reid@quantuma.com.”
Their statement read: “We have tried everything to avoid this outcome but have been unable to find a solution – to say we are devastated is an understatement. We have poured our hearts, souls and personal finances into the event as well as leaning heavily on private Investors and friends. The pressure of trying to deliver an independent festival which Kent could be proud of has been immense. However, there is no avoiding the reality of our situation – poor ticket sales mean that Wheels and Fins is no longer financially viable nor attractive to an investor.
“With the festival forced into liquidation we are truly sorry to say we are unable to refund any tickets. This is the worst part for us. Being unable to refund our audience, the people who have stuck by us and supported the festival, is a very painful experience for us, both as people and event organisers.
“We understand that this news will leave many of you angry and upset and we can only offer our genuine apologies. If there was any other way around this situation, we would have found it, but with ticket sales at the lowest they’ve ever been, it is simply impossible to salvage.
“We’d like to send a huge, heartfelt thank you to our audience, partners and suppliers and everyone who has supported Wheels and Fins Festival over the years.”