CITY businesses and organisations missed out on more than half a million pounds in revenue following the forced cancellation of Southampton Mela Festival.
The event, which was due to take place in Hoglands Park on Saturday afternoon and evening, was called off 24 hours before when a yellow weather warning was issued predicting winds of up to 50mph in the city centre.
The Mela, which has been a firm fixture on the community calendar for more than two decades, attracts around 25,000 people.
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It costs approximately £130,000 to put on the Art Asia organised event, which is heavily supported by volunteers.
The majority of traders are local, and artists and guests travel to Southampton from far and wide. Some performers had already travelled to the city from india.
Using the Event Impacts Economic Impact Calculator as a guide, organisers believe the economic impact of the cancellation, on hotels, restaurants, retailers and the like, is £500,000 plus.
Producer Matt Sanger told the Daily Echo: "It was such a disappointment to cancel, especially when the type of weather conditions were so unusual.
"It is of course most disappointing that people get to miss out on the wonderful event that is such a great day on Southampton’s cultural calendar. Southampton needs more events, not less!
"It was costly and has an impact on the city from an economic standpoint as well as depriving the city of an event it can feel very proud of. Losing this year makes it tougher for next year.
"We know we can produce an even better event that draws in people from further afield and increases our economic impact on the city with the right support.
"For this, we do need grants, sponsorship, donations and of course attendance.
"This is something we want to work on, and also, look for other event partners to be part of a big weekend in Southampton."
In the short term, Art Asia will be working with Southampton City Council and Go! Southampton to put on some smaller events to act as a Mela replacement of sorts.
The Mela was due to feature the Indian Classical Music of Pandit Sanju Sahai, the energetic beats of Bhangra Artists Foji Gill, Happy Singh, and Shin DCS, and Rakhi Sood's TMC Dancers with their captivating Bollywood dance.
Audiences also missed out on Mughal Miniatures, an outdoor performance event from world leading Kathak dance artists, and The Inner Vision Orchestra, with its blind musicians.
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