El Dorado Festival 2024 cancelled due to "dramatic rise" in operational costs
The Herefordshire-based festival has been called off to avoid “catastrophic losses” amid the Cost of Living Crisis
El Dorado Festival has cancelled its 2024 edition due to rising costs, which it says could result in “catastrophic losses” for organisers.
The Herefordshire-based festival had been scheduled to go ahead from July 11-14 at Eastnor Castle Deer Park, with performances expected from Flowdan, Eliza Rose, Honey Dijon, CASISDEAD and more.
However, organisers announced yesterday (May 23) that El Dorado will not go ahead this year, due to a "dramatic rise in operational costs," which has been "compounded by the impact of the increased cost of living on the festival industry and our community.
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"Despite our best efforts, we are faced with the potential for catastrophic losses,” the statement continues.
The cancellation of El Dorado adds to a growing list of UK festivals to have either been cancelled, postponed or announced 2024 as their final year including Nass Festival, Nibley Festival, Barn on the Farm, Glasgow Riverside Festival, Shindig Festival, and more.
The news comes following a warning by the Association of Independent Festivals that over 100 festivals are at risk of disappearing in 2024.
The AIF has suggested a VAT tax cut for festivals from 20% to 5%, an idea echoed by saveoursceneuk, who wrote on El Dorado's post: “Gutted for you guys. You have so much to be proud of and no doubt will be back. The entire community needs to fight for a sector-specific VAT cut or just something which is going to keep these festivals going whilst things are so bad.”
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El Dorado acknowledged the widespread difficulties faced in the festival industry, writing: “We know we are not alone. There has been a lack of government support in our sector, with many independent festivals announcing their final years, reducing their capacities, or being forced into cancellations.”
In a statement on the festival's website, organisers insist that while they cannot be certain if the festival will take place in 2025, they are "determined to find a way forward in the future if we can,"
Ticketholders to El Dorado 2024 have been offered a full refund, for more details head to El Dorado's website.
Jamaal Johnson is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Instagram