Support Galtres Festival

Prior to confirming that Galtres Parklands Festival would go ahead this year, we ensured that a good number of traders were willing to return and, of course they are, and as always we will have a wide selection of high-quality, locally-sourced food and drink and some fantastic stalls.

However, many of them are reluctant to go public about this, for fear of recriminations from a small group of angry traders who are campaigning against the festival. So far, members of our team have been subjected to harassment and threats on social media, at work and at home. So musicians, traders and others involved in Parklands 2015 are keeping their heads down.

We understand the hurt felt by those businesses who could not be paid last year after the operation ran out of cash, but rather than give up and go away we are taking our responsibilities seriously and working hard to raise the money needed to repay what is owed, and we’ll keep doing that until every penny is paid back, however long it takes.

The irony is that those like Peter Stark who promote a boycott are among those we are trying to repay. It is only through running successful events that we’ll raise the money we need.

Surely its better to work together to turn things around.

By coming along to this year’s festival at Duncombe Park over the August Bank Holiday, people will not only have a brilliant time, but they’ll know they are supporting a worthy endeavour which has brought huge economic benefit to North Yorkshire over the past 10 years, which has supported dozens of charities and community groups and which provides a platform for talented youngsters to perform.

Your own newspaper described it as “a magnificent festival to rival the likes of Leeds and Reading and even Glastonbury” and it has a huge following. Our plan is to capitalise on the enormous goodwill around the event for the financial benefit of everyone involved. We very much hope to see you in the field.

James Houston, trustee, Galtres Festival Charitable Foundation