Traders have reportedly packed up and left Jeremy Clarkson’s inaugural Farm-Fest early, claiming many stalls were struggling to make money, with even social media sensation Spud Man admitting he faced profit difficulties.
Business owners took to social media to share their frustrations, some posting tearful videos with captions like “what a shambles. Giving a new meaning to ‘diddly squat.’” One stallholder alleged that their area was completely blocked by a lorry, preventing customers from approaching.
Potato seller Ben Newman, known online as Spud Man, said he might make a small profit but warned that other vendors were facing significant challenges. “Did we have a good day? We did,” he said, “Thank goodness, because if we were going to do it, it was yesterday.”
Festival organisers expressed surprise that a handful of exhibitors had left early, given the event attracted over 50,000 visitors across three days at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. The festival, spanning 300 acres, charged £35 for a half-day adult ticket or £60 for a full day.
Many traders shared candid updates online. Korrine Pallas, who runs Phoenix Equestrian and Pet Supplies, described Friday as “the worst day’s trading we have ever had” and announced she would leave the festival early for the first time ever. She revealed her business was “a few grand down” and the day’s costs exceeded potential profits.
Similarly, Emma, co-founder of dog brand Pops and Coco, called the event a “shambles” in a TikTok video, highlighting that 90% of traders were either breaking even or losing money, despite the festival being heavily advertised.
Saddle fitter Julie Masters shared photos showing her stall blocked by a lorry, noting: “A very expensive mistake setting up and investing resources. We are thousands of pounds out of pocket, and no refund was offered.”
Despite these challenges, Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper remained present at the festival, which featured 12 arenas and performances from Alex James (Blur), 10cc, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and a DJ set by Groove Armada.
A spokesman for the festival noted: “We have been working closely with traders to provide support and are surprised a handful of exhibitors, out of 400 attending, chose to leave so early despite the event attracting over 50,000 visitors.”
While some vendors faced early exits and financial struggles, the event drew significant crowds and showcased a mix of music, shopping, and entertainment across the scenic festival grounds.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
