Festival chairman John Edminstin said the organising committee might have no option but to wind up the annual festival if unless a capacity crowd turned out.
Several factors had put the event under the threat of not being held again after this year but the solution was simple — "we need to pack the place to capacity", he said.
Despite the annual event traditionally being sold out well in advance, this year’s initial ticket sales were sluggish, after organisers could not guarantee Bluff oysters would be available.
However the supply of Bluff oysters had now been confirmed, he said.
Despite this, sales had not rebounded.
The festival is being held in Bluff on May 23.
The committee had several years when the festival was not held because of pandemic restrictions and the danger posed by the neighbouring Club Hotel.
Mr Edminstin said its cash reserves had been severely depleted by costs associated with the Club Hotel’s demolition, consultants and consents in 2024.
Had reserves not been dwindled by the hefty array of costs, the committee would still be in a great position to weather the storm, he said.
"Sometimes it seems we are being held to a much higher standard than many other events.
He cited the pressure on funding organisations at the moment, plus the high cost of living, "which affects our outgoings".
"And at some point, you have to take stock and say: ‘Is it viable to continue?’
"We need a capacity crowd this year to boost our reserves to ensure we can open the gates for future festivals."
The festival is a major event for the South with capacity for 4000 attendees, with about 60% coming from outside the region.
The influx of visitors adds significant economic benefit to the region’s accommodation and hospitality sectors.
By Lindsay Beer
