ORGANISERS of a Derbyshire music festival say they are hopeful it will take place again next year – despite struggling to cope with the
financial implications of a freak accident. More than 2,000 music-lovers descended on a farm in Hulland Ward earlier this month for the three-day event called Bearded Theory. Festival-goers watched in horror as high winds sent the canopy structure crashing into the crowd at the event at Bradley Nook Farm. Festival organiser Rich Bryan said the accident had left the festival, which raises money for charities, having to find £8,000 to pay for legal fees and health and safety experts. But he said his team hoped to raise the cash by selling T-shirts and holding fund-raising concerts later this year. “The financial implications of the destruction and disruption caused by the incident has left the festival’s future in jeopardy. “But due to the overwhelming support from the public and press, the festival aims to settle the mess and deal with the financial deficit over the next few months in the way of benefit concerts. Many artists from this year’s festival line-up have already offered their support.”
Mr Bryan said: “I would like to thank everyone who came to the festival for their overwhelming support and hopefully we will be back next year, better, stronger and happier for another dance for charity.”