Organisers of the Trowbridge Festival say they expect to make a loss on this year’s event despite having sold more than half of the tickets already.

The festival only has a capacity to accommodate 499 people this year at its new purpose-built venue site at Greenhill Fields, Bradley Road, Southwick.

The event has relocated from its previous venue at Stowford Manor Farm near Farleigh Hungerford and organisers hope to increase attendance for its 50th anniversary in 2024.

Festival spokesman Kieran Moore said they have applied for a temporary event notice which limits capacity to just 499 people.

This enables them to comply with health and safety regulations but means they will have to restrict the attendance at this year’s event.

Wiltshire Times: The Model Folk will headline at Trowbridge Festival. The Model Folk will headline at Trowbridge Festival. (Image: Trowbridge Festival)

Total ticket numbers on sale will be lower than for previous festivals but they hope that as many people as possible will book their tickets in advance to enable them to keep within the limits.

“With ticket sales of up to 360, allowing for 139 transient staff and artists, we’ve reached 50 per cent sales point at this moment in time,” he said.

“Which is not bad, considering that we announced the festival at traditionally later notice than you’d expect.

“Because of the small festival capacity, we are guaranteed to lose money this year. That is not a bad thing.

“It’s partially by design, as we look to expand next year, but we have to get this first one under our belts, and all in order correctly to be granted a full license in 2024.

“Core costs don’t change, insurance, first aid, security, waste removal, tent and PA hire etc, regardless of the size of the festival it would effectively cost the same for 1,000 people, for what it will cost us for the 499. 

“So next year, we hope to make that loss back up after wowing people with this year’s event.

This year’s festival will take place from July 28-30 and will feature three headline acts, plus many more performing on The Pump Stage and The Main Stage.

Nick Parker & The False Alarms headline on Friday, July 28, festival favourites Holy Moly & The Crackers on Saturday, July 29, and genre fusing folkers The Model Folk on Sunday, July 30.

Wiltshire Times: Nick Parker & The False AlarmsNick Parker & The False Alarms (Image: Trowbridge Festival)

Kettlesmith Brewery from Bradford on Avon has been contracted to supply the festival bar, and organisers are promising some interesting street food stalls.

Mr Moore added: “So, for a small festival, we hope to have a really fun, cosy experience. That will honour the festival’s 49-year legacy, and hopefully raise the stakes for our 50th Anniversary in 2024.”