Theatre / News
Mayfest to take ‘strategic pause’
A biennial festival of theatre will be taking a “strategic pause” in 2026 in order to ensure the long-term future of one of Bristol’s cultural highlights.
The team behind Mayfest are now fundraising in order to sustain their arts programming outside of the festival.
It comes as box office receipts were down for the 2024 edition of Mayfest among an increase in costs for putting on the always-ambitious festival which sees performances across the city.
is needed now More than ever
In a statement, MAYK co-directors Kate Yedigaroff and Matthew Austin said that pausing the 2026 edition of the festival “was not an easy choice”.
Kate and Matthew said: “Mayfest holds a unique place in Bristol’s cultural landscape and the festival’s loyal audiences mean the world to us.
“This decision is about safeguarding the organisation; ensuring that we’re working in a way that is financially sustainable and artistically impactful.
“It’s about ensuring that when we return to programme in the city again, we do so stronger, more resilient and ready to continue creating the extraordinary experiences you have come to love.”
The MAYK team remain committed over the next two years “to nurturing artists, producing new works, and contributing to Bristol’s vibrant cultural life through a range of projects, presentations and residencies that continue to make a significant impact on the arts community in the UK and beyond”.
To support MAYK and Mayfest, visit www.mayk.org.uk/support-us
Main photo: MAYK
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