Outdoor events - weather cancellation or curtailment

user1977

I would view it a bit differently if we know it isn't a profit-making entity, with somebody raking in the cash after cancelling the event and walking away with it. Though that doesn't actually change the consumer rights.

I presume it's not a large enough organisation to effectively self-insure this sort of risk? I'm not sure how much insurance would cost them, though it's possible it would involve adding a fair chunk to everybody's ticket prices. So I can sympathise somewhat with them being upfront about it and offering punters the choice.

born_again

It could be that they did self insure before, but the cost has now got to the point that they can no longer afford it. 
So they have offered a 3rd party deal.

If you have travel insurance, you may be able to add "Event" insurance as as below.

https://www.globelink.co.uk/general-information/extensions/event-cancellation.html#

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

Undervalued said:

Thanks

In many cases I'm sure that is true but I don't think it is the case here. This is a "not for profit" organisation that I am sure has the best of intentions but flounders a little from time to time!

Before they changed to the current optional "insurance" arrangement I think they used to give a free transfer to a future event in the event of cancellation. Whether that was covered by insurance behind the scenes or if they stood their own risk I don't know.

I have no idea what the cost of proper cancellation insurance would be or if there would be difficulties in agreeing how the decision is made in borderline situations. There are safety and legal considerations.

It still doesn't sit right for me despite the good intentions  

The business companion site states that charities are bound by consumer rights and although the CRA uses the word may I don't think a blanket refusal to refund would be seen as fair. 

Personally I don't see why they don't just add 10% to all ticket prices, an extra £3 or £4 is unlikely to dent sales but a sour taste from people who aren't refunded because they didn't pay extra might deter them from booking future events. 

If the charity didn't wish to do this they could offer to extend the ticket to a future date for the same event, offer the value as credit against another event, offer the option for the person to simply donate the value of the cancelled ticket and then also offer a full refund. 

Charites do of course do good work but it's also important they don't abuse (for want of a better word) the kind hearted nature of their customers, a choice would fit better with the general spirit of what any charity should be all about