Houghton "needs to raise money quickly" for 2021 festival to go ahead

Houghton Festival has said it has just one week to raise enough funds to ensure the 2021 edition of the festival can go ahead this year, in a statement to fans on this afternoon.

The Norfolk festival confirmed it has been rejected from Arts Council funding and - alongside the rest of the festival industry - is yet to receive information on COVID festival insurance.

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“The Arts Council recently confirmed that we would not be eligible for any support from The Cultural Recovery Fund. Over the last year, we have submitted two applications, an appeal and a complaint. We passionately campaigned for the cultural recognition of our festival but The Arts Council on behalf of the Government has deemed us unworthy of financial support.” the organiser said in a statement.

“Houghton has already made a significant contribution to British culture and will continue to do so in the coming years. We are incredibly committed to the festival and have enormous belief in its potential. Ultimately this rejection has only increased our determination to make Houghton happen.”

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“The mist of confusion and uncertainty appears to be lifting leaving little doubt that festivals will be allowed to take place this year. There is still enormous controversy surrounding a Covid insurance policy and we wait in anticipation for further information regarding this.”

To raise funds Houghton is releasing a merch collection designed by founder Craig Richards called LET ME OUT LET ME IN - It consists of Mugs, T-shirts, Posters, Accessories and more. The festival has revealed on its website that it has just one week to do this or the event will likely be cancelled.

The collection is now available to purchase here.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter