The $30 million gamble that backfired

The Kent Food Fest, a two-day event in May, promised 5,000 attendees but delivered empty fields, leaving traders and families furious. The event, run by Jay Scott, charged traders up to £1,000 for pitches and families nearly £100 for tickets, yet offered little entertainment.

Traders report poor organisation, being misled about attendance, and being blocked when seeking refunds. families and traders have been left furious after they turned up to a local food festival that ended up 'being like Fyre Fest'.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The event's website is littered with stock photos, including an image promoting the dog fest that appears to be AI-generated. Traders said they were quoted different amounts for a pitch - ranging from £200 to £1,000 - with others being told by the organiser they had to attend both days.

Some were so desperate to leave, they packed up early with one 'passing stock over the fence' to load into their car. The event, which has been held in the county for 11 years, is run by Jay Scott, whose band performed alongside an Elton John tribute act.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

Companies House records show Jason Springham has been listed as a director at six different firms. Three of those have been dissolved, and he resigned from two. One he quit in 2024, named The Kent FoodFest Limited, has accounts overdue with an active proposal for it to be struck off.

Its most recent accounts filed in 2020 show debts of more than £30,000. The Food Fest Kent Ltd, set up in 2022 with Mr Springham as the sole director, has debts of £4,794, according to its accounts filed in November 2024.

A familiar pattern from the 2019 crash

Traders have told the Daily Mail that Mr Scott has failed to respond to any of their emails in which they have demanded a refund, while others say they have now been blocked by him on social media .

The Daily Mail has left voicemails on Mr Scott's mobile number and has sent emails requesting comment. He is yet to respond to any of our questions, and he has since started screening calls on his phone.