Statement from Mint Festival

We have read and also listened to all the feedback that has followed the announcement of the change of venue for Mint Festival - 2014 and now is the time to set the record straight about how and why this situation arose.

We did not suddenly become greedy only in it for the money promoters. We hope many of you guessed that there was more to this story.

It was clear we had outgrown Lotherton Hall and no way would we put everyone through the same issues as last year particularly those relating to leaving the event. It was impossible to coordinate and MINT events must mean a great experience from beginning to end.

After an unsuccessful attempt to secure Temple Newsam we formed the opinion that Leeds City Council were not willing to support MINT Festival, at this time, either there or at any other viable Leeds Parks venues. Many meetings and calls followed but for reasons we still find hard to understand the council confirmed this was their position.

With regret we had to pursue another option but were delighted to quickly reach agreement with Lightwater Valley near Ripon where their team welcomed the event and together with Harrogate council gave us the go ahead for Mint Festival - 2014. A great relief.

It was only after the release and subsequent sale of several thousand tickets that associated local authorities together with the police declared reservations about whether an event this size could take place within this area, which fell under their jurisdiction.

This clearly put doubts into the family orientated Lightwater Valley management and a few weeks later we received the news that they had pulled the event. It was shocking news given how much time had now passed since the original agreement. (Due to legal reasons we are not able to comment further on this).

After one last appeal to Leeds Parks, which was rejected, we found ourselves with a stark choice. Cancel the whole event (which we were prepared to do even with the loss of money and momentum it would involve) or begin the search again for another venue – which could not be in Leeds.

The whole team worked day and night visiting over 20 locations trying to find and then secure the best possible place to move on to. There was so little time. Agencies, DJ’s and others we have worked with for many years were so supportive and granted extensions on contracts giving us the last chance to make it happen. We are very grateful for this.

After review with our promoting partners we all agreed that Lincolnshire Showground was by far the best venue. Walking around the location we realised that this was the place where we really could take MINT Festival to another level. The entire Lincolnshire Showground team has been extremely supportive, accommodating and helpful to ensure the event is a huge success for all.

Of course it is a huge blow to be forced into a move out of the Leeds area but we were desperate not to lose a festival that we believe can offer annually an exploration of electronic music and the key artists of the day. Our next goal was to ensure that we were not too far away from home.

The stunning new venue is only 15/20 minutes further away than Lightwater Valley and almost every aspect of the infrastructure and especially the whole array of transport options have been massively improved.

We never want to see again people having a great day but then suffering problems with queues and delays either inside or outside the event.

We quite understand the impact on those of you that bought tickets for the event and suddenly find it in a quite different place. As a company it was the worst problem and then the hardest decision we have ever had to take.

Having decided to go ahead we must now address the issues of those ticketholders that cannot make it work at the new venue or do not want to - for whatever reason.

As promised refunds will be given to anyone whom no longer wishes to attend the festival. You have our word on this. To allow us to deal with refund issues please follow the procedures set out below. Our team is in place and ready to process requests immediately.

Many people who have booked hotels in Leeds for the night and are angered by the change. We take this opportunity to reassure you we will be providing frequent shuttle buses from Leeds to the festival site and back. Anyone who has already booked accommodation in Leeds and/or was planning on attending the Mint Club or Mint Warehouse After Parties need not worry, as transport will definitely be available. From Leeds you can still travel to and from the festival with travel time of approximately 50mins by car or 1hr 20mins by coach.

Anyone who has pre purchased non-refundable accommodation or transport is encouraged to contact the Mint Festival office to discuss alternative options. Please bear in mind that these must have been booked prior to the 9th July 2014 along with a valid festival ticket. Again further information is provided at the foot of this statement.

The last few weeks have been a nightmare for the entire Mint Festival team. None of us will forget this time in a hurry so please do forgive this long story. Seeing some of the comments we knew we had to give you the respect you deserve and take you behind the scenes. The unedited truth.

We listened to all your comments, took them on board and reacted. That is how it should be. Now you will decide whether we have got this right.

If you would like to know more about MINT Festival at Lincolnshire Show Ground and the new facilities and many transport options please visit our web site

We look forward to seeing you all for Mint Festival - 2014.

Mint Festival Ltd

Director / Promoter

SHANE GRAHAM

TICKET REFUNDS:

Available to people whom bought tickets before the venue change announcement on 9th July 2014.

Refunds will be given up to Wed 23rd July 2014 at 5pm.

All you need to do is contact your ticket provider and they can assist.

ENQUIRY LINE: [email protected]

For any persons who have booked tickets prior the venue announcement change on 9th July 2014 and would like help with transport, accommodation or anything else.

We genuinely feel for everyone that has been put out by the recent venue change and are determined to offer any assistance we can to give you the chance of enjoying MINT Festival 2014.

Please note this is for genuine enquiry assistance and not a point of contact to complain.

If you have already cancelled your ticket and would like to contact us about assisting you, we encourage you to do so.