Thursday May 19th 2016
With visitor figures to Midlothian’s annual September arts festival, Midfest, rising, councillors agreed on Tuesday that it will go ahead in 2016, despite the council’s current financial challenges.
In a bid to offset costs, councillors agreed to introduce a charge for adults at the council’s Family Fun Day at Dalkeith Country Park. Children will still get in free. However, a pre-booked adult ticket will be £3, rising to £5 on the day.
The council will also continue to look for sponsorship and other funding opportunities to help meet the estimated £25,000 running costs.
Councillors heard that the two main events, the Saturday music concert Midstock in Dalkeith Country Park, which is supported by the council, and the council run Family Fun Day on the Sunday, are attracting growing numbers of visitors.
Around 4,500 people came to Midstock, up from 3,500 the previous year while an estimated 7,000 people attended the Midfest Family Fun Day, more than 1,500 more than the previous year. This event was the day after Midstock on Sunday 13 September. Meanwhile, around 2,000 people came along to individual arts events across Midlothian.
A spokesman said: “We’re keen to continue with Midfest if we possibly can by introducing a small charge for adults to the fun day and seeking sponsorship or other funding.
“We’ll continue to give advice and support to the arts events in the communities and Midstock.“
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