The Rickmansworth Canal Festival organisers have been granted £30,000 to make up for the lost revenue following its cancellation over buried asbestos.

Three Rivers District Council awarded the money to the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust after its event at the aquadrome was cut due to a new "no-dig" policy.

David Montague, Rickmansworth Waterways Trust chairman and former festival director, said: “We're obviously very grateful to them for doing that, and it helps us considerably this year.” 

The figure, which approximately matches the council’s usual donation to the festival's costs, has given the trust “breathing space” as it reorganised its finances, Mr Montague added.

Watford Observer: The festival chairman said its loss was a tragedy.The festival chairman said its loss was a tragedy. (Image: Jonathan Gibbs)

But he called the cancellation a “tragedy” for charities and community organisations who rely on it to recruit volunteers and raise funds.

However, the trust is understood to be exploring its options for a rally for the boats who would usually attend the festival, and a smaller music event at nearby Batchworth Lock this summer.

A magazine by the local Liberal Democrats said the local authority granted the money as it values the trust’s work, adding: “We hope it continues to thrive without the financial benefit of the festival.”