CottonFest has officially ended after shareholder disputes fractured its long-term direction and made operations unsustainable. Organisers emphasised gratitude to supporters and reaffirmed their commitment to Riky Rick’s legacy. While the festival concludes, the Creative Programme launched in 2025 will continue providing opportunities for young talent. Ticket refunds are available through Webtickets.
CottonFest Ends After Shareholder Conflict, Creative Programme Continues Supporting Youth
Today, 09 December 2025, CottonFest’s organisers announced the end of the festival after internal disputes among current shareholders made it impossible to maintain a unified long-term vision. Despite announcing the 2026 edition earlier this year, a breakdown in alignment ultimately placed strain on operations and compromised the standards established by founder Riky Rick.
Owner and organiser Bianca Naidoo stated that CottonFest has always centred on creativity, community, and youth culture. She noted that while the team values the festival’s achievements and the support from fans, artists, and partners, differences between the involved parties made concluding this chapter the most realistic way forward.
The decision was taken after extensive internal review, considering the well-being of staff, collaborators, and the wider community that has supported the festival for over seven years. Naidoo and the Makhado family expressed deep appreciation for everyone who contributed to the festival’s growth and its efforts to honour Riky Rick’s legacy.
Although the festival will not continue in its current format, the Creative Programme launched in 2025 will continue to offer year-round opportunities for emerging talent. The team remains committed to supporting youth creativity through new and meaningful initiatives.
Ticket holders may request full refunds via Webtickets’ self-help process starting today.
Featured Image(s): Supplied
Leave a Reply