Siepelrock, Mooi Wark’s festival, will not take place in early October. After several successful editions in Pesse, the event was supposed to be held in Grolloo for the first time this year, but ticket sales are disappointing.
“We have sold about 200 to 250 tickets so far,” says drummer Dennis Hendriks of Mooi Wark and organizer of Siepelrock. “We should have sold at least 1,500 tickets to cover the budget. That is why we have now chosen to pull the plug. At the moment the damage is several thousand euros. If we had allowed it to continue, we would have damaged the future of two companies and three families at risk.”
In the good years, Siepelrock attracted approximately 2,500 visitors. But the move to Grolloo did not bring any success to the organization. Yet Hendriks does not think this has anything to do with the location. “We see that everything is becoming more expensive, fuel and groceries. That may have played a role. Moreover, the event coincided with the Mega Pirate Festijn in Klazienaveen and the Oktoberfest in Alteveer.”
In addition to Mooi Wark, the program included The Dirty Daddies, Palemiger Spatzen and the Dutch Boys. “We did not expect that we would sell out immediately during the first edition in Grolloo,” Hendriks continues. “But ticket sales were now very difficult. Ultimately you have to make a choice. You also have to deal with other bands and suppliers. It doesn’t sound very fancy, but in business you have to draw a line.”
In any case, it does not mean the end of Siepelrock. “There is certainly a market for this festival, so I certainly see a future in this,” Hendriks concludes.
Fans who have already purchased tickets will receive a refund.