The UK festival season is very almost over, but it’s ended prematurely for those who hoped to head to Ringmaster next weekend. The 5,000 capacity event was due to take place in Hopeton Wafer (Worcestershire/Shropshire borders) and feature performances from an impressive line-up which included Maximo Park, Deaf Havana, Swim Deep, Theme Park and Chlöe Howl but has been cancelled due to “financial implications”. This year has also seen similar reasons cited for the cancellation of Hop Farm, Hevy, Isle Of Man, Burn Out and the abscence of Merthyr Rock, Sonisphere UK and Summer Sundae, among many others.
Ringmaster Festival released the following statement, explaining the situation:
“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that Ringmaster Festival has to announce its closure for this year; due to an unforeseen financial situation.
As the festival entered the final stages it found itself in a financial position and as a result was no longer able to guarantee the appropriate monies owed to the bands and other parties at this stage. It is after careful consideration that Ringmaster has decided to unfortunately cancel this year’s event.
Ringmaster would like to thank everyone that has supported, been involved with and help spread the name over the past few months and would like to offer everyone their sincere apologies, in what has become a horrendous and saddening situation.
The festival would like to apologise for this unfortunate circumstance and like to notify that tickets will be refunded and for all ticket holders to contact their ticket provider for more information.”
As word about the cancellation spread across Twitter, artists and potential attendees have expressed their disappointment.
Just been told that Ringmaster Festival has been cancelled. Another festival in the bin. So gutted. That lineup was amazing.
— BLITZ KIDS (@blitzkids) September 16, 2013
Cannot believe Ringmaster Festival has been cancelled, would’ve been a wonderful couple of days.
— aimee (@AimeeElizzybeth) September 16, 2013
I only bloody booked Ringmasters last night. Need a gig now with @theblackout @wearetheocean and @canterburymusic pleases
— Me (@kaiserDonna) September 16, 2013
Rubbish seeing festivals being cancelled, Ringmaster had such a wicked line up too.
— Nicolaaaaaaaaaaaaaa (@nicolalalalar) September 16, 2013
Ringmaster is cancelled? That sucks
— Big Sixes (@bigsixes) September 16, 2013