Connect Festival Cancelled

Some sad shock news has reached us. The 2009 Hydro Connect music festival,due to take place at Inveraray Castle, Argyll, beside Loch Fyne, in Scotland has been cancelled. Apparently a victim of the Global economic crisis.

The organisers have announced that the festival will take a break this year. Instead of having to, in their view,make concessions that could possibly weaken the festival and affect its reputation for high standards. They do not want to risk letting down music fans. So they have decided to call off this years event and take stock.

However, there are hopes that the festival will be back in 2010. Perhaps in a brand new revamped form.

The festival has been held at Inveraray Castle since 2007. The location was chosen due to its stunning landscape, with the beautiful Loch Fyne as a back drop. However, Argylls wide open spaces, along with its small population, left Hydro Connects organisers having to promote the location, and bringing its virtues to the public. This, along with actually putting on the event, has proven to be costly.

It is believed that such servicing costs,and high infrastructure, combined with the affects of the credit crunch and the economic downturn, has made it difficult for this summers festival to reach the standards of last years event.

Where Hydro Connect had the biggest selling acts playing alongside alternative indie acts and the finest up and coming performers.That has already won the relatively new event a growing reputataion.

Hydro Connect was being brought to you by Geoff Ellis, a noted festival promoter and the mastermind behind T in the Park.

“The combination of extremely high costs incurred in order to stage the festival, and the fact that Connect’s audience is arguably affected more by the credit crunch than some other festival markets, means that it would be foolish for us to expect the growth necessary to help Connect thrive in 2009.” he said

“Although our initial business plan was based on the event making a loss in its initial stages, we would have anticipated a growth in attendees by year three. However, based on the current financial climate, we know this will not be achievable.”

Organisers though are planning some events around Argyll this summer. Linked to the cancelled festival and under the ‘Connect’ heading.

“As we remain dedicated to Connect’s future and its award winning quality, we have decided that the best way forward is to stage some smaller associated events in 2009.” Mr Ellis commented.

“In the meantime, huge thanks go to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll for being so supportive of Connect from the very beginning as well as to the festival’s committed fans who have shown real passion for the event.”

“we look forward to welcoming you back soon.”