07/09/2013
My apologies go out to everyone in Boston and the local area, who was going to join us for something with wholesome, inclusive, non-commercial intentions and ethos.
Naturally I feel upset about this turn of events, but most of all feel a sense of guilt for people who feel let down by the event not going ahead. It is not a guilt felt for stopping the festival, something I do not feel responsible for, I suppose it is a guilt because of the what ifs - if that makes sense.
First of all I want to thank everyone for their enthusiasm this year, it is a testament to the goodwill of individual people who care about their community. I now stand £460 out of pocket, but it is a loss I feel should fall on my head - and I will endeavour to give refunds to those on Kickstarter - forgive me if it is not today.
I am very hesistant to write on facebook what happened yesterday when I was visited by the police at 4pm, because I am aware that they are monitoring facebook. I am certain an explanation will be given in the near future.
I need time to clear my head and think about what we want to do with Harfest. It was a non-commercial event run as cheaply as possible, trying to give something to as many as possible. I'm uncertain how an event of this nature could afford to pay the council and police fees that some people have suggested I would have to.
My resounding feelings are that it is a shame I cannot do as Boston's very own Pilgrim Fathers did and set sail to a new land, where we could start from scratch with our own community.
Thanks for all the support - I'll leave with Josh Gill's comment that really did cheer me up!
- Harry
"This Festival pretty much put Boston on the map, Harry Riot has done his local area proud, it was all about getting everyone together and having a good time, this is what the summer is all about, great times that we would have all remembered in months to come."
