Residents who are hoping for the return of the Radlett Festival will likely be left disappointed as the local organisation that runs the event has closed down.
Radlett Festival Limited (RFL) was founded in 2010 after Aldenham Parish Council (APC) stopped organising the event, which brought together more than 4,000 people at Phillimore Recreation Ground every year.
It has been five years since the festival last took place, before the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a decrease in volunteers forced its cancellation.
RFL director Clive Glover said: “It is sad to close RFL, but we had to face the facts. There is no longer sufficient support locally to organise and run a large event such as this in Radlett on a voluntary basis.”
Clive cited several causes for the closure, in particular the fact that that APC no longer aided with costs in organising facilities for the festival. But he also said that recent redevelopment efforts at Phillimore Recreation Ground have reduced capacity for large events.
He added: “The loss of the pavilion and the building of APC’s compound caused problems with the loss of storage, electricity and water supply.
“The location of the new café will reduce the width of the main entrance to the park and so restrict the size of vehicles as well.
“I hope we will see new smaller events being organised in the park, but I don’t think it will be possible to do big events anymore.”
A spokesperson for APC said: “APC is saddened to hear that RFL has had to close. APC met with Mr Glover last year to see if it could render assistance, but the lack of volunteers was an obstacle that could not be overcome.
“APC wishes to note that the development of the Phillimore Recreation Ground has in no way hampered the ability to hold large events there, as demonstrated by the King’s coronation event held just last year, as well as the free Summertime Activity days we have run for several years.
“APC is excited about the improvements that have been made at the site that have seen it upgrade the children’s playground as well as the current building of the café, all of which has been carefully planned to ensure that future events can be held. In fact, APC is currently planning a programme of events for 2025, in conjunction with the café operator, to provide the biggest selection of events Radlett has ever seen.”
Photo Credit: Radlett Festival
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