Independent festival announces liquidation
Federica Bedendo/BBCThe company behind an independent festival has announced it is going into liquidation.
Solfest has taken place at North Lakes Country Park, near Silloth in Cumbria, for more than 20 years and has hosted the like of The Proclaimers and Basement Jaxx.
The cost of living crisis, extreme weather and historical debts were all given as reasons by Solfest Ltd for the decision.
During the 2024 event, heavy rain and high winds battered the site and led to the cancellation of the first acts, resulting in a "substantial financial impact," the company said.
"Despite extensive preparation and the efforts of staff, volunteers and partners, the conditions led to cancelled or rescheduled performances and reduced attendance, as many ticket-holders were unable to attend or left early," the festival organisers said in a statement.
They added "carefully managed" historical debts were "exacerbated by these setbacks" and left the company unable to completely recover.
The 2026 festival was due to take place over the August bank holiday weekend.
Solfest apologised and said: "This has not been an easy decision and it is deeply regretted."
