Counting the cost of Revels’ poor turn-out

Friday 23rd July 2004, 12:00AM BST.

ONLY 10,000 people attended the highlight of the 1204-2004 celebrations, the Jersey Revels, which cost the Island £238,000.

The medieval fete, which was held over three days at Gorey a month ago, was billed as the biggest party the Island had ever seen and the organisers were hopeful of attracting 26,000 people and making a profit over the £280,000 promised by the Tourism Development Fund.

Instead of recouping its investment and more, the fund will receive just £42,000 back.

The organisers, the Jersey Revels Board, attributed the failure of the event to overpriced admission charges, a vast arena that stretched from the Castle Green to Grouville Common, and dull weather.

Between 25 to 27 June about 10,000 people turned out and the 112 surveyed said that it was an outstanding success and should be held again.

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