(Vault)
More than 500, 000 people have been involved in making the festival work over the past 12 years

The Vault Festival has announced its permanent closure due to funding challenges. Despite efforts to secure a new venue, the festival’s journey comes to an end.

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The Vault Festival began in 2012, showcasing theatre, comedy, and performance arts in the underground of Waterloo station.

Over the years, Vault has provided a launchpad for emerging talents in London. CREDIT:  VAULT

The festival faced setbacks exacerbated by the pandemic, culminating in the cancellation of its 2022 edition. Following this, its long-time venue decided to pursue commercial redevelopment, displacing the festival.

Despite plans for a new home, with fundraising efforts made, crucial funding for the festival failed to materialise.

In a public statement released on March 13, 2024, the organisers  express sadness over the closure and its effects on their operations and staff.

The festival’s Co-founder and CEO, Andy George, told City News “The creative industry of the UK is more diverse because of our work over the past 12 years, and we’re proud of that.”

He adds that he feels an “immense amount of grief and sadness” for “what they lost” and the opportunities that “vanished” for those who worked with the festival.

George attributes the festival’s closure to “a series of systemic hurdles”, including “austerity measures, Brexit, and the pandemic.”