The Liberation Festivals in Groningen and Zwolle, among others, are preparing for major losses, but the Drenthe organization is certain of ‘again’ a plus under the final financial statement this year. Chairman Gerrit Boes thinks he can save up to 10,000 euros on organizing the festival at the Baggelhuizerplas in Assen. “And we have no problem for next year either.”
The cause of the black numbers? An important part is in the hospitality industry turnover, explains Boes. “A number of festivals have that in-house, so they depend on it.”
Due to the hours of rain and subsequent thunderstorms, which forced the festivals to come to a halt, far less food and drink was sold than expected. Boes compares it to the situation in Groningen. “A hefty amount has been included in the budget for turnover from the catering industry. If they don’t achieve that, for example due to bad weather, they will suffer a loss.”
In Assen, it was decided to sublet the catering industry. The organization makes the festival site available to a catering operator for a fixed amount, but does not have to worry about it. Substantial profits for the Liberation Festival itself are therefore not possible with a large audience, but the risk of going under, in the event of setbacks such as the weather, is also avoided. “We know exactly what comes in,” Boes points out the advantage. “You make a tight budget and stick to it.”