After problems encountered last year, 2011’s Truck Festival was announced to be the last outing for the annual event. Good news, though, as a statement just issued by festival founders Robin and Joe Bennett has confirmed that the festival will return this year, albeit under new management, on 20-21 July at Hill Farm, Steventon.

The statement:

“We have always felt a great responsibility for the integrity and sustainability of Truck Festival, which grew so quickly and with such enthusiasm from very humble beginnings in 1998. Via Truck’s unique catering arrangements with the Rotary Club, tens of thousands of pounds have been raised for charities and good causes every year, including last year, and many great bands have taken their first steps to international prominence.

“However, after a notoriously difficult summer of trading for Truck Festival, and festivals in general, we have decided it is time for us to step down from our role at the event.

“During the 14 years of its existence, since we started it round our kitchen table, the festival has suffered various threats and disasters, from floods and foot-and-mouth to finances, and taken on a life of its own. We like to think it has brought joy to a lot of people. It’s right for this tradition with so many benefits to the community to continue; a chance encounter with the organisers of Y-Not festival in Derbyshire (winner of Best Grassroots Festival 2011) has given it the opportunity to do so.

“We are glad to say that, rather than finish for good or be in corporate hands, the festival in 2012 will go back to basics under the management of the Y-Not team. We feel they are the right people to take on the event, give it a fresh start and rebuild it over the next few years, and we hope you’ll give them your full support.”