Man cautioned for fraud following festival cancellation

An individual received a caution for fraud following the cancellation of a well-known wartime-themed festival. The organisers of the Woodhall Spa 1940s Festival, located in Lincolnshire, stated that “missing funds were a significant contribution” to the event’s cancellation in 2023. Lincolnshire Police issued a conditional caution for fraud to Graham Keegan, a former committee member, on November 27, after determining he had abused his position. Keegan informed the BBC, stating: “I have repaid the money I owed the festival. The festival has repaid the money it owed me. I wish the festival every success in the future.” This complimentary event, which showcased shows, military re-enactors, and aerial displays, commenced in 2012 and drew thousands of attendees. The organisers announced the event’s cancellation in November 2023, citing “rising operating costs.” A recent statement released by the committee on social media indicated that the cancellation was “in part due to the ongoing increase in costs matched with the uncertainty over the festival’s future financial position.” Festival directors alerted the police after discovering that “substantial sums of money were missing.” Following the announcement of the cancellation, Lincolnshire Police initiated an investigation into an allegation concerning the misuse of company funds connected to the festival. More than a year later, Keegan received a caution for fraud by abuse of position, according to the police force. He had served as a former member of the festival’s committee for several years and was responsible for managing the event’s finances. While the festival committee has successfully recovered all funds, they stated that these are insufficient to revive the event and will instead establish a grant scheme for local community projects. The statement further added: “We feel this is the best possible legacy the festival could leave, after 11 years of fantastic events and many happy memories created for thousands of people.”