THE organisers of a north-east music extravaganza have been forced to pull the plug on this summer’s event – leaving its future in doubt.
The Wizard Festival, launched seven years ago, has managed to lure some of the world’s top rock bands to the heart of rural Buchan.
It has attracted 5,000 fans each year and pumped about £250,000 a year into the local economy.
But a huge cash blow has left plans for this year’s event in tatters.
Wizard organisers said they were unable to run the festival after failing to secure funding from Creative Scotland.
The event had been on a two-year hiatus as its committee worked on a spectacular comeback this year, scheduled for around July.
A statement from organisers to fans said: “Despite our best efforts, we were unsuccessful with our funding applications. Therefore we are unable to bring you a festival in 2014.”
It added that Wizard could return to New Deer some time in the future – but did not specify when.
Last night, organiser Roy Thain said it was “very disappointing” to have to cancel this summer’s event.
“There is only a small number of people involved with organising this and, over the years, we have seen the festival grow and grow and grow,” he said.
“It has got to the point where we simply cannot continue without significant funding behind us.
“We had been working hard to make our big return in 2014 and, although no acts were booked, we were involved in some very positive discussions.
“In the past, we have said that we will use the time out to work on the following year’s festival, but just now I can’t say for certain if that’s going to happen.
“On a positive note, we have been speaking to Aberdeenshire Council and they seem keen to help us out in the future.
“I think the council appreciates the benefits that Wizard brings to the local economy.
“Every year, there has been a big boost to hotels, bars, shops and businesses.”
He added: “Our last show was in 2011 and we ended on a real high note.
“It’s been three years now, but the fanbase has always stayed with us. The support they have given us throughout all this time has been incredible.” A spokeswoman for Creative Scotland said she could not comment on unsuccessful applications. She added that the National Lottery-funded body had recently presented awards of nearly £230,000 to Aberdeen Performing Arts and Banchory-based Woodend Arts.
Central Buchan councillor Jim Ingram said last night: “The Wizard Festival has always brought a lot of people into the area and there have never been any problems.
“On the whole, everyone has been very well behaved.
“It’s a real shame it’s not going ahead, particularly as this is the Year of Homecoming.”
Since the launch of the festival, bands including Happy Mondays, James, The Undertones and The Stranglers have flown in to play at the festival.
Indie icons Supergrass memorably arrived by helicopter to headline 2008’s show.
The two-day event at the New Deer Showground is pitched as a family-friendly festival with a range of activities and entertainment laid on for youngsters.
Fans said the 2011 show was one of the best, despite torrential rain turning the site into a mudbath.
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