Press Release
Lightfest Postponed
It is with deep regret that the Organisers of September's Lightfest in the villages of Lynton & Lynmouth announce the postponement due to the outbreak of Foot & Mouth.
The Lightquest team have been unable to get any detailed information from DEFRA. who could not say what restrictions will be put in place and when they may be lifted.
With the event only weeks away the Lightquest team thought it wholly inappropriate to go ahead with the event in an area of outstanding natural beauty and fragile wildlife.
The event is a hugely complex event to organise with hundreds of performers and event volunteers. The team felt that it was unfair to ask our volunteers to commit to an event that could be forced to cancel at any moment owing to circumstances beyond our control.
The event is also extremely expensive to stage and the potential risk of substantial financial losses as a result of of late cancellation was too great a risk to take for an organisation that is self funded and that aims to raise money for charity not lose money.
People who have already purchased tickets will receive an automatic refund within the next two weeks. We apologise for this inconvenience and trust that you will support us in our decision to postpone.
We look forward to being able to invite you to future lightquest events.
Finally the team also recognises what happened in 2001 in the West Country and in a show of support to the local farming and rural businesses have taken this decision to alleviate a very troublesome time for many.
Spokesman DB said " we have had a lot of local support over the years and the last thing that we would want is to add to the uncertainties at this time. It is very worrying for everyone and we wish to support our local communities.
The event is postponed and we will be looking to stage the event at a more appropriate time.
Spokesman Dave Bryant said :
I lived in Devon in 2001 and know just how badly everyone suffered.It was a nightmare and I only hope that it is not repeated. Our sympathies go out to everyone now worried about the F & M outbreak"