Barnard Castle Meet fundraiser cancelled over low sales

The Barnard Castle Meet Committee announced with “great disappointment and regret” that its fundraising evening, due to take place on Saturday, September 26, will no longer go ahead.

The event had been organised to raise money for the annual Barnard Castle Meet, a longstanding community celebration which brings together residents and visitors for a weekend of activities and traditions.

In a statement shared online, organisers said they had been forced to make a difficult decision after sales failed to reach the level required for the event to proceed.

The committee said: “Unfortunately, due to lower than expected ticket sales, we have had to make the very difficult decision to cancel the event.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we are genuinely sorry for any disappointment or inconvenience caused.”

The fundraiser had been scheduled to take place at Barnard Castle Cricket Club and was set to feature live music, pie and peas, a raffle and fundraising activities.

Organisers had hoped to build on the success of previous fundraising events, which they said had attracted strong support from the community.

The committee thanked everyone who had purchased tickets, shared information about the event and supported fundraising efforts.

They said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported the event, purchased tickets, shared our posts and helped us with the fundraising. Your support is hugely appreciated.”

Anyone who has purchased tickets has been advised to contact the person they bought them from for information on refunds and arrangements.

Despite the cancellation, organisers confirmed that raffle prizes donated for the event will still be given to good causes.

The committee said: “All raffle prizes that had been donated will still be donated to good causes, so the generosity of those who supported the raffle will not go to waste.

“This may be a disappointment, but it certainly isn’t the end of our fundraising efforts.

“We will take some time to regroup and look to organise another fundraising event in the future.

“Thank you once again for your understanding and continued support of Barnard Castle Meet.”