A popular festival has had to scale back its plans, amid unexpected costs.
Organisers of the annual Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival, now in its 14th year, had hoped to bring back the main Barbican stage, not seen since the Covid-19 pandemic, but say it is “beyond what we can make work”.
The Barbican stage was set to return for the first time since 2019. Picture: Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival
The volunteers had understood closing Sandwich High Street would cost £40, but later learnt it would set them back a hefty £1,300 thanks to a temporary traffic regulation order now being required under a new policy set by Dover District Council (DDC).
In a post on social media, organisers said: “Despite best efforts to find a way forward, this is simply beyond what we can make work as a free volunteer-run event.
“Those of you who remember pre-Covid festivals will know how special the Barbican stage was in bringing live music to that corner of our historic town, and we’re genuinely disappointed not to be able to make it happen this year.
“But we still have so much to look forward to, three stages of live music across the Guildhall and Market Street, plus entertainment in our community zone at St Peter’s Garden.”
The Sandwich festival is not the only event to fall foul of DDC’s event policy, introduced in 2024.
In November, Walmer Town Council cancelled its Christmas Carols and Classics celebration, with bosses unable to absorb additional costs.
Crowds at a previous Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival. Picture: Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival
DDC councillor Dan Friend (Con), who represents Sandwich, says the changes are making it impossible for community organisations to deliver events across the district.
He goes on: “The cancellation of the Barbican stage is a real blow, not just to the festival but to the town.
“This is a free event, put on by volunteers who dedicate countless hours to bringing the community together, and it has a proud history at that location.
“Unfortunately, this is not a one-off. In each case, the story is the same: DDC’s events policy is making it impossible for community organisations to plan and deliver the events that towns like ours depend on.
“I and others have raised concerns with DDC directly, and I am disappointed that no solution could be found.”
Originally, a cost of £40 was quoted as an admin fee for a road closure, which can be facilitated by DDC.
Cllr Dan Friend has called for a rethink of DDC’s events policyLast Man Standing performing near the Guildhall. Picture: Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival
However, when the event application was received, it was clear a full directional traffic closure was required from Kent County Council (KCC) instead and the necessary permit would cost £1,300.
But Cllr Friend questions why such a permit, when it hasn’t been before.
“Critically, the Barbican stage operated at this exact location for many years before Covid-19 without any requirement for a temporary traffic regulation order,” he adds.
“The event has not changed. What has changed is DDC’s policy and how it is being applied.
“The question of why a requirement that did not exist for years has suddenly made a beloved community event unaffordable is one DDC cannot answer by pointing at KCC.
“I will continue to push for this policy to be reviewed, because the current situation is not sustainable.”
The Barbican stage had been a beloved addition in previous years, with its position in the high street allowing larger crowds to gather.
A spokesperson for DDC said: “We do appreciate the importance of events in our communities, and continue to work closely with organisers.
“In this instance, we have explained to organisers that KCC requires a full road closure (a S16 closure). The charge for the road closure is set by KCC.
“The events policy was updated in 2024 to ensure consistency and safety at events across the district.
“The policy included the setting of charity rates for charitable organisations. We continue to work closely with event organisers across the area to help them deliver events in the district.”
Dates have yet to be announced for this year’s Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival.
A KCC spokesperson said: “To temporarily close Sandwich High Street or any public highway, we need to follow the Road Traffic Regulation Act, which is in place to ensure events are managed safely for residents, businesses and road users whilst also ensuring we work effectively with other statutory bodies.
“The £1,300 fee is a standard fee in line with similar charges set by other Highway Authorities and covers the work needed to put a legally binding road closure in place, which will be safe and with relatively little or no disruption to adjacent roads and their users.
“Officers remain committed to working constructively with organisers to support the safe and successful delivery of the event and we understand that in this instance the event organisers have been guided to apply for a local grant to assist with the fee payable.
“Should they apply for a grant towards the road closure fee, then their application, the same as for any other application will be considered following standard criteria.”