THE popular Stockton Heath Festival is at risk following financial losses for the past three years.
Next year’s event could be the last if new sponsorship and volunteers can’t be found.
Each summer during a long weekend in July, Stockton Heath village and surrounding areas come to life with the sounds of laughter, theatre, live music, fascinating storytelling and more.
Since the Stockton Heath Festival was established in 2008 by Local councillor, Tudor Pole and a small group of volunteers, its popularity has blossomed to what it is today – attracting thousands of visitors every year to the area to enjoy many local performers and support traders. Today the Festival charity still relies on a team of volunteers to run each year.
Peter, volunteer Festival Coordinator for 2025 says: “The Festival charity has remained true to its mission to bring the whole community together to celebrate art, culture and the uniqueness of its heritage from Roman times to present day. Each year, the Festival volunteers create something different and make improvements, ensuring there continues to be something for all ages and interests to enjoy over the Festival weekend.”
“Despite the widespread popularity of the Festival this success has been underpinned by financial losses in 2023, 2024 and 2025. This gradual erosion in the financial position of the charity is putting the Festival at risk of being unable to continue.
Proudly independent Festival and charity
The Festival remains a proud and independent charity, run by approximately 40 volunteers each year, supported by the Trustees, grants and sponsorship from businesses. Not one of the volunteers or Trustees is paid for the services they provide to create the Festival showcasing the local community.
According to the Association of Independent Festivals 1 in 6 Festivals faced closure due to the shock waves created by Covid 19 – many continue to face ongoing pressures due to rising costs and strong competition from for-profit festivals which have significant resources and budgets, and can access sizable funding streams. Smaller independent festivals such as Stockton Heath Festival continue to struggle and compete with the drawing power of larger festivals; research shows that the number of UK festivals peaked at 900 and today, less than 600 remain.
Based on the past three years and without a significant change in fortune, the last Festival is likely to be next year.
Supporting Stockton Heath Festival 2026
As planning is underway for the 2026 Festival organisers are calling for support in two areas: sponsorship and volunteering.
Financial support
Financially, around £15,000 each year is required from businesses to ensure survival. Any profits made previously have gone toward supporting the Festival’s charitable aims. Would your business consider coming on board as a new sponsor? Contact the Festival Team to explore sponsorship options: sponsors@stocktonheathfestival.co.uk
Volunteering support
Current volunteering positions include a Community Partnership Coordinator, Events Coordinators to arrange activities for all ages, and people willing to become regular volunteers over the festival weekend. Contact: volunteers@stocktonheathfestival.co.uk to express your interest in the two roles or volunteering in 2026, and beyond.
