Press Release 2012.003, 27 January 2012

Reduced sponsor revenue and higher costs due to spending cuts

Four Days Marches has to cut its coat according to its cloth in 2012

Due to the economic recession, Stichting DE 4DAAGSE is facing reduced revenue from sponsors and a sharp increase in its expenditure. Costs are also expected to increase as a result of the spending cuts announced at the Dutch Ministry of Defence, a partner in the Four Days Marches organisation. Stichting DE 4DAAGSE is having to cut its coat according to its cloth for the 96th edition this year.

The Four Days Marches is hoping to bridge the gap between its decreasing income and increasing costs in raising the registration fee by 8 euros. Spending cuts will also be made in numerous other areas of the organisation.

One key area where savings will be made is the opening ceremony, which will be very different to that of previous years. A decision had already been made to stop holding the Flag Parade in the Goffert stadium, and a simple opening ceremony at the Wedren, the Four Days Marches' start and finish location, is now in the pipeline. A brief but atmospheric and stylish opening programme is currently being detailed for the afternoon of Monday 16 July.

Cuts in the Ministry of Defence's spending on the Four Days Marches will affect the budget of the world's biggest walking event. The Ministry of Defence is transferring several of its (financial) responsibilities to Stichting DE 4DAAGSE.

This will see the Four Days Marches taking over the provision of hospital tents and additional medical staff for the rest areas during the marching days. Stichting DE 4DAAGSE will also have to foot the bill for the pontoon bridge laid over the River Meuse in Cuijk on the fourth marching day. The Ministry of Defence will cease to coordinate the registration of Dutch military participants - the Four Days Marches will take care of this task. Last but not least, the Ministry of Defence will no longer participate in the Four Days Marches' opening ceremony in any way whatsoever.

These measures were decided upon in close collaboration with the board of Stichting DE 4DAAGSE. "We fully understand the tricky situation the Ministry of Defence is facing. We can't expect contributions to a wonderful walking event like the Four Days Marches to be unaffected when people are being forced into redundancy elsewhere in the organisation. Incidentally, we are delighted that these measures, which were worked out in close collaboration, seem to guarantee the building of the military Four Days Marches Camp Heumensoord this year and next year," says Johan Willemstein of Stichting DE 4DAAGSE.