Taxpayers to Pay for 'Free' Festival

Journalists and commentators across Reading are bewildered by the announcement that tickets for the Heavenly Festival will be free for all.

Some don't know whether to bemoan the loss of exclusivity on their freebie junket, while others appear more pleased by the fact they will no longer need to organise VIP entry passes.

The event, which is designed to replace the internationally recognized WOMAD festival after a change of locations, is to be held on July 10th and 11th, but the decision to operate without ticketing charges (at a cost of £75,000 from council funds) will still require last minute approval at the next Council meeting on March 16th.

Reading Arts Box Office (tel: 0118 960 6060) has announced that full refunds are available to anyone who has already purchased a ticket (though it may be wise to wait until the move is confirmed).

Further details and news on acts can be found here.

Labour's lead councillor responsible for the leisure service, Cllr Graeme Hoskins, moved to preempt accusations that the reduced levels of income would lead to organisational shortcuts if large crowds of freeloading revellers descend upon the riverside location, saying, "obviously there will be no compromises on safety. Health and safety issues are paramount."

Oranjepan asks:
If it is so obvious why did Cllr Hoskins feel the need to spell it out?

Update: Isn't it nice to know that people are reading and taking notice!