Blow to new music festival as Neil Young pulls out

The organisers of a new American-themed music festival are searching for a replacement headliner after Neil Young pulled out.

The singer-songwriter was due to perform at State Fayre, being held in June at Hylands Park in Chelmsford.

But the 80-year-old cancelled his entire 2026 European tour on Friday night, telling fans he had "decided to take a break".

Event organiser Festival Republic said it hoped to announce a new headline act within a week.

Ticket holders were contacted by the company after Young withdrew.

He apologised to fans in a statement shared on his website, saying: "I have decided to take a break and will not be touring Europe this time.

"Thanks to everyone who bought tickets. I'm sorry to let you down, but this is not the time.

"I do love playing LIVE and being with you and the Chrome Hearts."

Festival Republic announced its new State Fayre festival in November, naming Kings of Leon and The Lumineers as its other headliners.

The bill spans rock, country and folk music across three stages.

Young has won a string of accolades across his six-decade career, including two Grammys and nine Juno Awards.

He was booked to perform with his backing band, The Chrome Hearts, who he started playing with in 2024.

His tour was due to begin at the Eden Project in Cornwall in June, before finishing in Lucca, Italy, in July.

A spokeswoman for Festival Republic said: "The State Fayre team are working hard to confirm a replacement headliner which we expect to announce this week."

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