AS BUTSERFEST organisers unveil this year’s line up, it has been revealed the alcohol and drug free festival for teenagers loses tens of thousands each year.
Last year saw a record 1,200 youngsters at the all day festival on Butser Hill.
Organisers East Hampshire District Council told the Post this week that it cost almost £84,000 to stage the event last year.
Festival income for 2015 was only £26,223, and the council said the event lost £57,620.
It also said the cost has remained roughly the same in recent years.
But the council insists the event isn’t about making money, it’s about providing an event for youngsters from across the district which they can enjoy in safety.
On the day there is also information available to the youngsters about issues that affect them, and that they can access in a comfortable and relaxed environment.
Experts from Barnardo’s child sexual exploitation and missing children services, Southern Domestic Abuse Service, The Prince’s Trust, Inclusion Recovery Service, youth clubs, East Hampshire Youth Council, and other advice and help groups are there every year.
The council also points out it spends similar amounts on other groups.
For example, it says, £45,700 is spent on community development for older people and those living in rural villages and hamlets.
Each year about £105,000 is spent on supporting community organisations, many of them for elderly people, £186,000 goes on advice services for those of all ages, and £43,000 to provide transport to and from villages.
For more details about Butserfest on Saturday, September 10, the line-up and tickets, visit the festival website www.butserfest.co.uk