Organiser of Lymington Seafood Festival Richard Nowell hits out at online ‘moaners’

“IF you don’t like the event don’t come” – this was the message from the organiser to people who took to social media to complain about Lymington Seafood Festival, which despite adverse weather went ahead over the weekend.

“Moaners” ranted about the £6 entry cost, calling organisers “greedy”, and also hit out at the Tina Turner tribute act performing on the Saturday.

In response, Richard Nowell said: “To all the people moaning, whether it’s not being able to access the children’s playground – which you could, just not when everyone else was trying to get in – or the fact we’re ‘greedy’ for charging a mere £6, of which HMRC get 20% in VAT, for less than a pint of beer we put on a whole weekend of entertainment and great food.

“If you don’t like the event or want to pay £6, then don’t come. Find something else to do. The festival costs more than £50,000 to put on. It takes us months to organise and it is a huge logistical operation.”

There were also dozens of positive comments online, highlighting the festival’s delicious food and great entertainment, and stressing the huge effort which had gone into organising the event.

Richard conceded that the weekend was “challenging”, having been up against the weather, and accepted the tribute band was “disappointing”.

“Friday was pretty damp, so a huge thank you to those who braved the rain and came out to support us,” he said.

“Saturday was windy and we made a wide range of extra precautions and worked with a number of traders to ensure everything was safe and secure.”

He continued: “We were also really disappointed with this year’s tribute band. They were unrehearsed and the lead singer’s only resemblance to Tina Turner was a wig.

“After two fantastic nights with Elton John and Queen, we probably need a rethink.”

Richard added that he keeps stand costs low to support small, local food-and-drink businesses, explaining that each year the event also supports a local charity to help raise money and awareness.

He signed off: “I would like to pass on my thanks to all the traders who served up great food with over 120 dishes to choose from.

“Next year expect lots of changes.”

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