A considerable number of festival-goers are facing disappointment and financial loss just weeks ahead of the much-anticipated Glastonbury Festival, following the sudden liquidation of Yurtel, a luxury yurt company based in Corsham, Wiltshire. Those who had booked their accommodation and event tickets through Yurtel were recently informed that their reservations would not be fulfilled, as the company ceased trading on 8 May. Accommodation options from Yurtel varied significantly, with packages costing between £10,000 and £16,500, making this a substantial financial commitment for many.
In a message sent to customers, Yurtel stated that it was entering formal liquidation and advised clients to contact alternative providers for accommodation. In an unfortunate twist, the company also announced that payments made prior to its closure could not be refunded. This has left many individuals and families, who had envisioned the festival as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, grappling with uncertainty and frustration over lost funds.
Among those affected is Lydia, who shared her anguish after paying £10,000 plus VAT for a ticket and luxury tent accommodation. She expressed feeling "absolutely gutted" and highlighted the lack of options, as the availability of general tickets through the festival's usual channels was limited. Her parents were drawn in as well, spending £16,000 for combined tickets. Other customers echoed her sentiments. Louise, who had also invested £13,500, remarked that the entire experience felt like a "sickening" betrayal, particularly as Yurtel did not accept credit card payments, a safeguard that could have allowed for some protection.
Glastonbury Festival, while sympathetic to those impacted, clarified that they had no affiliation with Yurtel's operations and were not responsible for its insolvency. The festival stated that Yurtel had failed to secure any tickets for the upcoming 2025 event, reinforcing that any recourse for refunds would need to be pursued through the liquidation process. They further encouraged affected customers to confirm their consent for the festival to share their personal data, enabling them to access alternative ticketing options.
This situation highlights the precarious nature of relying on third-party providers in large-scale events. Glastonbury Festival operates with a variety of accommodation options, including local campsites, but has consistently maintained that external providers, such as Yurtel, function independently, assuming the inherent risks associated with such transactions. Particularly as festival season peaks, customers are reminded to exercise caution and to secure their bookings through reputable channels, ensuring full transparency and protection against potential financial loss.
As Glastonbury draws nearer, set to take place between 25-29 June with music heavyweights like Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo headlining, the festival remains a beacon of hope and excitement for many. However, for those left stranded due to the Yurtel debacle, the countdown to the festival is overshadowed by regret and uncertainty, calling into question the reliability of certain accommodation providers at major events.
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Source: Noah Wire Services