Promoters of Hydro Connect have announced that the event will take a break in 2009.
Connect organisers have decided that rather than compromise the festival's high standards and disappoint fans, they will take stock this year with a view to returning in 2010, with a possible reshaping of the festival's format.
The festival which has been held for the last two years in the grounds of Inveraray Castle, Argyll, Scotland was sited there for its stunning natural location beside Loch Fyne. The exposed location and Argyll's small population meant organisers had to attract the audience to the area as well as staging the event. The festival organisers feel the serious economic downturn coupled with very high infrastructure and servicing costs means that it will be impossible to maintain the event's high quality threshold in 2009.
Hydro Connect offered festival goers acts from the alternative market to the mainstream, often with gems to be discovered in one of the tented stages. The festival also offered delicious local produce on offer for music fans and exciting, alternative entertainment.
Promoter Geoff Ellis, who is also responsible for T in the Park, said, "The combination of extremely high costs incurred in order to stage the festival, and the fact that Connect's audience is arguably affected more by the credit crunch than some other festival markets, means that it would be foolish for us to expect the growth necessary to help Connect thrive in 2009.
"Although our initial business plan was based on the event making a loss in its initial stages, we would have anticipated a growth in attendees by year three. However, based on the current financial climate, we know this will not be achievable."
However, organisers are planning some smaller associated events for this year, in and around Argyll, which will take place under the 'Connect' banner. Geoff Ellis added, "As we remain dedicated to Connect's future and its award winning quality, we have decided that the best way forward is to stage some smaller associated events in 2009. In the meantime, huge thanks go to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll for being so supportive of Connect from the very beginning as well as to the festival's committed fans who have shown real passion for the event - we look forward to welcoming you back soon."
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