The Labour Welsh Government have spent £4.25million buying Gilestone Farm in the Brecon Beacons to host a music festival – but festival organisers have zero interest in moving there.
During First Minister’s Questions today (24th May), when pressed in the Siambr, the First Minister admitted that no business plan had been received but avoided questions about why his Government had spent millions without a full, open tendering process when other businesses are held to a high standard and provide detailed paperwork when seeking support from Government.
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething had said the purchase was to secure a permanent home for the Green Man festival, however organisers have been clear that they have no plans to move from their current Glanusk site.
Commenting afterwards, Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies MS said:
“I am staggered that Labour Ministers have decided to spend millions of taxpayer cash on buying this farm without even securing agreement from the festival organisers. In fact, Green Man have been clear there are no plans to move from their Glanusk site.
“There wasn’t a business plan in place before the money was released, so I have serious questions about how this purchase decision came about, especially when other businesses have to provide thorough paperwork when they seek financial support from the Welsh Government.
“Add into the mix concerns about young and new farmers being unable to purchase farmland, and it’s clear the whole thing needs a proper explanation.”
