Organisers of Mint Festival have canceled this year's festival in a shock move, just months before it was due to take place at Leeds' Newsam Farm.
Citing the rising costs of petrol, production and transport in the UK, the team behind the festival has shared their decision to cancel the 2022 event in a long, heartfelt post shared to social media on Tuesday afternoon.
Describing the decision to postpone as a 'painful' one, they went on to explain that as an independent festival they have proudly 'operated without corporate sponsorship' for years - and want to keep doing so in the future.
Explaining the decision to cancel this year's September festival, the post said: "For reasons beyond our control this year now looks to be impossible.
"Almost everything required to put on a festival has gone up in price, from fuel to production, staging, transport and crew to name a few.
"This is something we know you will all be feeling too, so we are not willing to simply pass on our costs."
Organisers continued: "While we have been leading the way for a decade, there are now many more festivals that are competing over similar artists.
"Add in the lingering effect of the pandemic, a nationwide backlog of post-pandemic events, and it paints a difficult picture."
Explaining that they'd rather "hit pause" on this year's festival in order to avoid "squeezing more money out of you for tickets, drinks and food", they went on to reassure festival-goers they will be "working hard over the next year to build our own infrastructure which will ensure we can be more sustainable for years to come."
Image: Mint Festival
The post added: "We're as disappointed as you are with this news. We massively appreciate your support n these testing times because without you there would be no Mint Festival. But we will be back, bigger and better than ever in 2023."
As a result of the last-minute cancellation of this year's event, all 2022 tickets will automatically move over to Mint Festival 2023.
However, refunds are also available in full, and those wanting a refund of their 2022 ticket are being advised to contact their ticketing provider.
Feature image - Mint Festival
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UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues issued due to wildfire risk
A nationwide temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued.
Following the UK's fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel 'sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode'.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a 'tinderbox' and urged 'all retailers big and small' to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product - including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market - and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: "During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
"They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
"These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks."
Featured Image - Dom (via Unsplash)
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A brand-new kite festival is coming to a country house in Leeds next weekend
Clementine Hall
Colourful kites will paint the sky next weekend as Lotherton Hall is gearing up for its first ever Kite Festival.
Taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, over 30 kites of all different colours, shapes and sizes will take to the sky, flown by professional fliers from all over the country.
Visitors can expect some of the world’s largest inflatable kites, and you may even spot some in the shape of your favourite character.
Not only that, but children can bring in their bravest teddies that will, weather permitting, be dropped from the sky, equipped with parachutes so they can sail down safely to their owners.
Image: Supplied
Entry to the kite festival is included in the Lotherton Hall admission, where there will also be a fun house, bumper cars and face painting as well as food stalls to keep you fuelled up for the day.
The festival is organised by The Northern Kite Group who are behind the hugely popular kite festivals in Filey, Bridlington and Redcar, so you just know we're in for a treat.
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing this kite festival to Lotherton for the very first time, one which I’m sure will be a brilliant day out for the whole family.
“Lotherton is one of our most loved attractions and it has so much to offer for the summer, with a full activity schedule for the school holidays as well as Wildlife World and deer park tours.”
Sarah Duncalf, secretary from Northern Kite Group said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing a kite festival to Lotherton this summer. The sight of spectacular kites filling the sky is something visitors won’t want to miss.
“From giant inflatable characters and breathtaking displays to our ever-popular teddy bear parachute drop, there will be plenty to entertain the whole family. We’re looking forward to creating a weekend full of colour, excitement and unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
Georgina Pellant -
28th June 2022 
