Festival Cancelled and won't give refund

[Lalotai47]

I know people have far worse things to worry about just now but...

Bought weekend family tickets to a small festival to be held this summer. The cost was £250 and I booked last year. The organisers have just announced the festival won't be taking place this year due to Coronavirus and no one is getting a refund. Instead, they are moving our tickets to next year's festival (they hold it at the same time each year and have been doing so for many years). I have asked for a refund and they have claimed that, since the festival is merely postponed and not cancelled, we aren't eligible for a refund. It isn't postponed in reality.

If we can't make next year, we can just sell our tickets, they say. The festival never sells out so would need to sell at a loss. They are also claiming that the money from tickets has already been invested in the festival so cannot be returned. Am I right in thinking this , whilst upsetting for them, is unethical and that refunds should be given. Any way I can legally enforce a refund? Thanks

They should have had insurance to cover having to cancel although there may be a clause which means it's invalid although it's have to be someone with witchy powers to chuck that in!

If their terms say that you are not entitled to a refund if they reschedule the event it is likely that the courts would regard that as unfair. You could take them to the small claims court to try and get your money back. If you want to do that you must first send them a letter setting out your claim, giving them a reasonable time to refund your money and saying that you will take legal action if they fail to do so.

If you paid by credit card you also have the option of getting a refund from your credit card provider. They are jointly liable with the organisers of the festival.

I had paid for 7 half’s/marathons over the next few months all of which have cancelled/postponed and all said they can’t offer refunds just transfers to future races. Chances are I won’t be able to do all the new dates, so will potentially be losing £100+s.

Sucks. But I’m not sure what can be done.

Thanks all. I feel kind of mean chasing them but don't like the way they have tried to say it is merely postponed when it's an annual event anyway. They have also tried to guilt people a bit by saying we all need to support community events when it is a profit-making venture. I'll probably leave it for now and try and go next year. Thanks again