Asked by the Hungarian News Agency to comment on the interview with Lánchíd Rádio, Márta said the festival was being called off because for objective reasons, adding that he would elaborate at a press conference in the near future.
The festival, which comprises more than a thousand music, theatre and crafts events in seven villages in northwest Hungary, has run short of financing several times in the past several years. But this year Márta has said the festival will be cancelled much earlier than usual.
Last year's festival also faced a shortage of money, but was rescued at the last minute because of a HUF 15 million grant from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the involvement of the Hungarian Development Bank. Still, the festival organisers were forced to cancel many events.
In spite of the difficulties, last year's festival attracted a record 250,000-260,000 visitors, compared to 240,000 in 2006. On its busiest day, 50,000-60,000 people came to see the rich offering.
This year would mark the festival's 20th year.
Photo: Máté Nándorfi
