Maggie's Fest, the Merseyside music festival run by cancer charity Maggie's Wirral, has been postponed to next year because of an “unforeseen licensing issue.” Organisers have told the ECHO the event will now take place in either June or July 2027.
Event postponed despite ticket sales
Hosted at Brimstage Farm near Clatterbridge Hospital, the annual Maggie's Fest features music and a range of activities, all in aid of the local charity. Despite having sold tickets, it will not take place on September 5 as previously expected.
The charity has told the ECHO they will be back “bigger and better than ever”, with either June 26 or July 17 being eyed up as potential dates for the rearranged festival.
Family Fun Day to replace festival
An event will still take place on September 5. The charity will be putting on a 'Family Fun Day' including zip lines, tractor rides, Maggie's Mini Maze, and circus workshops.
In a statement the charity said the change has been made due to an “unforeseen licensing issue.” The statement added: “We know how much this event means to our supporters, and we share in the disappointment that we cannot bring Maggie's Fest to life as planned this year. We are incredibly grateful for the understanding and continued support shown by our community.
“All Maggie's Fest ticket holders have been contacted by email with further information regarding their tickets and the options available to them.
“We are incredibly grateful to Jo and Rob from Brimstage Farm and Maze, who generously provide the venue free of charge and enable us to host such valuable fundraising events for the local community.
“We are also thankful to Wirral Council through the Wirral Together Fund, as well as Home Instead for their sponsorship and support, which will help ensure this weekend's Family Fun Day is a success.”
Council explains licensing issue
Wirral Council has explained that a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) was submitted for the event. A council spokesperson said: “A TEN is a notification process rather than a licence application. It allows events to be held with a maximum of 499 people on the premises at any one time, including organisers, staff, volunteers and attendees.
“The TEN submitted for Maggie's Fest stated that attendance would be limited to 350 people. However, further correspondence with the organisers indicated that around 1,000 people were expected to attend. While there were no objections to the event itself, the anticipated attendance significantly exceeded the legal limit permitted under a TEN.
“The council fully appreciates that Maggie's Fest raises much-needed funds for a very worthwhile cause and is a popular event for residents and supporters, and when this issue was brought to officers' attention they tried to work with the organisers to find a way for the event to go ahead but sadly this was not possible. However, we will continue to work with the organisers on any future event proposals and support efforts to bring Maggie's Fest back in future years.”
