Coventry’s Godiva Festival could more than double ticket prices next year as the local authority looks to meet escalating running costs.
The English city’s three-day summer music event introduced entry fees for the first time in 2019 after previously being free throughout its first 20 years.
However, despite charging a £2 administrative and 78,000 attendees, the 2019 event – headlined by Busted and The Levellers – still racked up a £479,000 overspend.
Cllr John Mutton, cabinet member for finance, told the Coventry Telegraph: “We have always been very proud of the fact it was the biggest free music festival in the country. Last time there was a charge for the ticketing of it and what we are looking at this time is a charge of £4.70.
“We are also looking at raising the charging for other things such as the fairground. It is based on what we know the costs were last time and the income.”
Cllr Mutton added that family tickets could be introduced so that the event does not become unaffordable for those with children.
Coventry Council estimates that the festival – which will next take place in July 2020 – brings in around £2.3m to the economy. Coventry will be the UK City of Culture in 2021.
Share this