5 days Ago
Hard Way Promotions Limited, which trades as Wilkswood Reggae Festival and Jurassic Dance Festival, was voluntarily liquidated last month. Bosses blamed the “current financial position” of the company for the reason why this summer’s event will not go ahead. Nick Cusack and Paul bailey, of Croydon insolvency firm Bailey Ahmad, have been instructed as joint liquidators.
A statement of affairs submitted to Companies House has revealed that the company owes £70,062 to 14 creditors. It includes £20,000 to Wilkswood Farm, based in Valley Road in Langton Matravers, where the festival was held each year. Wilkswood Farm is home to around 120 Ruby Red cattle and has hosted the popular annual festival for seven years.
In addition, the accounts show HMRC is owed £10,295 and Dorset Council is waiting for £180. Leicester-based music licensing firm PPL PRS has also been listed as a creditor who is owed £12,642. Barclays Bounce Back Loan is owed £13,333, Swanage-based Stage Light Sound Events is expecting £1,700 and Poole-based Tidal Studios Design Web Print Ltd is owed £1,000.
The accounts show there is a total deficiency of £125,061 for Hard Way Promotions Limited. Meanwhile, there are 312 consumer creditors, in other words people who have bought tickets, owed refunds totalling £61,014. But a previous statement from the festival organisers said ticketholders have been made aware of the status of the festival and can reclaim money back.
The statement of affairs, although published on April 15, was signed on March 17 – days before the organisers went public about being liquidated. The statement said: “All festival ticket holders have been sent official communication, either by post or email, from BABR who have been instructed to assist in placing the company into liquidation. “This communication outlines your rights and the process for reclaiming your ticket purchase.
“If you have not been able to reclaim all your money for ticket purchase, you may wish to submit a proof of debt to BABR.” The Wilkswood Reggae Festival started as a small, family-friendly festival on a 600-acre farm near Swanage with the aim of providing “some cross-cultural, pan-generational harmony”. But it grew to attract up to 2,500 visitors and a line-up of reggae legends and pioneers from the UK and abroad performing across three stages.
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