Source: vrienden van de Balk @ Facebook (in Dutch)

"Message concerning the cancellation of Past Forward 2010/2011

Cooperation Foundation of Education and Services (SOD)
 

In this way, the foundation S.O.D. like the people who have bought a ticket, or otherwise have heard of the events surrounding the new years party of Past Forward.

The foundation was approached in July 2010 by “PastForward crew” to the location Friesestraatweg 430 (De balk) to organize the New Year party 2010/2011.
We have responded positively because we thought that this would fit well with our foundation. The location was not prepared for a party of that size at that time, but we were all optimistic that it would work out well. All the many activities that needed to be done have been started. From there on the guys from Past Forward have put in a lot of energy into it.

Foundation S.O.D. however, did make a reasonable start but after a while became a little retardant, PastForward often expressed their concerns to S.O.D about the progress on many occasions. All that time insured them not to worry, it’s going to be ok.

Ultimately, PastForward crew succeeded in organising a party which Groningen has not ever seen before. Unfortunately for the boys of Past Forward, the foundation SOD underestimated things and did not apply for a permit. The Foundation was  under the impression that it was not needed for a party to 500 people which was valid under the old regulations. However, it has emerged that these rules have changed and that we have failed to check if the regulations have been changed.

The Foundation assumed that they were allowed to organise parties and other events to fund the foundation. When the foundation contacted the municipality on December 27 we found out that for this event it was necessary to have a permit. The foundation informed Pastforward crew and once again stated “we solve it with the municipality, it is our responsibility.”

Right after Christmas, the first fire inspection was done. The boys of Past Forward were shocked. But with all positivity that the boys had worked hard to also solve this problem again for the foundation. Soon after the fire department  came back with new additional points and a penalty was imposed by the municipality if we would not solve issues for December 31. Another blow to the boys of Past Forward, but they were not breaking. On Friday, December 31, everything was ready.....

Then something happened that we as a foundation S.O.D. take also full responsibility for. The fire department did not want to come for a final inspection, the municipality refused to permit an emergency and the police would shut the party down.
The PastForward crew said it would now be irresponsible towards the audience if they still would proceed with the party anyway.

All of this could have been avoided if we, as a foundation, previously had taken our responsibilities and obtained the permit as we should have done.

We solely undertake full responsibility whatsoever for the cancellation Pastforward NYE 2010/2011

S.O.D Foundation has failed in this. That is why we want all our people to express regret for the failure of this party. We apologise to you.

Jos van der Zee
Chairman

From the PastForward Crew:

Despite all high costs en no earnings of whatsoever, we want to at least offer the possibility to receive the ticketmoney (excl. Fee) back.

You can do this at the presale adress where you’ve purchased the ticket.

This is possible from thursday 6 january untill 31 january.
This way everybody is able to receive it back.

For e-tickets you can send an e-mail to tickets@pastforward.nl

With bitterness we had to break up a party that to ou regrett never took place.

New years eve 2010-2011 that should be a special night, ended in great disapointment for everybody.