No refunds for Northamptonshire festival-goers after event cancelled over coronavirus fears

Bosses have made the decision to axe The Singing Festival in Northamptonshire 11 weeks early - with no refunds
The event was meant to be going ahead in May at Kelmarsh HallThe event was meant to be going ahead in May at Kelmarsh Hall
The event was meant to be going ahead in May at Kelmarsh Hall

Fears that the coronavirus might peak during 'The Singing Festival' in May has caused bosses at Wild Voices to call off the three-day camping event at Kelmarsh Hall - citing the 'force majeure' clause.

On the Wild Voice's website, director Jessica Hunting said in a statement: "It is with deepest regret, as director of Wild Voice Ltd, that I have to announce that Wild Voice Ltd is having to cancel this year’s singing festival which was due to be held at Kelmarsh, Northants on 29th - 31st May.

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"With the current outbreak of Covid-19 virus, Wild Voice Ltd is invoking the force majeure clause as stated in the terms and conditions on the Wild Voice Ltd website for this event.

Event organisers have said sorry after stopping the festival from going ahead at the Northamptonshire venueEvent organisers have said sorry after stopping the festival from going ahead at the Northamptonshire venue
Event organisers have said sorry after stopping the festival from going ahead at the Northamptonshire venue

"This unfortunately means that any refunds or compensation for this event cannot be offered."

Weekend passes to the Kelmarsh event have cost ticket buyers £149 while day tickets have cost £74.

This allows access to the festival, a pitch to camp, and access to all the workshops, activities, experiences, performances.

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The line-up for the weekend would have included performances from London Gospal Community Choir, wellbeing sessions including yoga and tai chi and adventure activities involing axe throwing, shooting and climbing.

The statement continues: "Force majeure can be described, and is not limited to, exceptional events which prevent or hinder the performance of an obligation. As stated on the Wild Voice Website, force majeure is something completely unforeseen and out of our control occurs, for example anything that falls under the term ‘force majeure' i.e. adverse weather, natural disasters, war, fire, riot, unrest, terrorism, this may cause the event to be cancelled. In the case of ‘force majeure’ we regret that we can not make any refund

"The unpredictability of the short and long term effects of the coronavirus, also make postponement of this event impossible.

"Health experts have predicted that the virus is likely to peak in April and May and could last 6 months.

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"I truly hope you read this with understanding and would like you to know that this has not been an easy decision for the business to make. It takes many months to organise the festival and on a personal level, it is an event that I have been dedicated to. Please be assured that this decision to cancel has not been taken lightly.

"Please accept my sincere apologies for the cancellation of the festival this year and my deepest apologies that Wild Voice Ltd is unable to offer you compensation for this event at this time."

So far ten people have died in the UK after testing positive for Covid-19.

Critics have disagreed with Prime Minister Boris Johnson's approach to the epidemic, which has been less dramatic than actions taken by Ireland who have banned outside events for more than 500 people.

From today, all people with flu-like symptoms - a fever or persistent cough - should self-isolate for seven days.