Nottingham festival cancellation could cost city ‘millions’ according to organiser

Splendour Festival will not take place in 2024, costing the English city of Nottingham “millions” according to the organiser. 

The cancellation of the festival was announced yesterday (Wednesday), after delays in Nottingham City Council’s tendering process. The council had put the 15-year event out to tender for the first time, meaning the usual organiser DHP Family had to compete against other companies for the contract.

Despite promoter DHP Family subsequently winning the contract to stage the festival for the next four years, the delays resulted in insufficient time to organise the event for July.

In a statement on Splendour’s website, DHP said: “We are disappointed to have to announce that Splendour Festival will be taking a break in 2024.

“Last May, Nottingham City Council initiated a festival tender process for Wollaton Park, which regrettably has encountered numerous delays from the council’s side. Delivering a high-profile event like Splendour requires more than a year’s worth of planning, and these delays mean we have not been left with enough time to put on the festival.

“We know many of you will be sad to hear this news, but rest assured, we are working hard to bring Splendour back to Nottingham in 2025.”

DHP Family also told local news outlet Nottinghamshire Live that the impact of the cancellation on the local economy “could be millions”.

“We pay the council a substantial site fee to use Wollaton Park. The council does not contribute financially to the festival. The festival pays for everything, including any council services. For example, we paid more than £30,000 to the city council waste services for the clear up last year, which will be important commercial income for them,” a statement read.

“The wider impact will be the loss of revenue to the city – the festival attracts 40,000 people over two days – in terms of accommodation bookings, transport and local employment. As a Nottingham-based business, we employ local security, infrastructure, book local traders, and, of course, provide an important platform for local musicians too.”