FeastyFest says next year’s event will have to be held outside of the borough for the first time in 8 years.
Bosses say they’ve been formally instructed by Sutton Council that they must pay the authority 55p for every single person attending, up from 51p.
They say that’s despite 4,000 free tickets being offered to charities, teachers, the armed forces and blue light workers at last year’s event.
FeastyFest is asking for a flat fee to be charged as is the case in other boroughs.
A spokesperson for the London Borough of Sutton said: “When large commercial events are hosted in our parks, the Council charges a small fee. This fee covers maintenance, ensuring the impact of any events in our parks is reduced to a minimum. It also helps to ensure our parks remain clean, safe and beautiful spaces for everyone to enjoy.
“FeastyFest is not a charitable event. It is a commercial organisation.
“Charitable and local community events are dealt with differently.
“FeastyFest were aware of and signed-up to the Council’s policy for commercial events before holding their event last year. The Council is speaking with the event organisers about payments due for last year as well as this year’s planned event. We are sorry to hear that they are considering moving.”
FeastyFest says £1,700 worth of payments were made separately to cover the costs of ground maintenance.
