Organisers of Lancaster’s Highest Point say it ‘isn’t the end’ after announcing the music and arts festival wouldn’t be taking place in 2025.
The annual event usually takes place in Williamson Park every May, and this year welcomed headline acts Busted and Tom Odell, as well as performances including from Eurovision star Sam Ryder, Gok Wan and Cat Burns, and a host of other acts and DJs, right across the park.
It ended on the Sunday with a Big Family Day Out event, which saw Beyond Radio host a day of entertainment on the main stage.
Bosses of the event say economic factors and increasing costs mean the festival simply cannot continue in its previous form, and they wouldn’t be proceeding with Highest Point next year.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Highest Point said: ‘’While this may not come as a surprise to some, it’s a decision we’ve come to after an incredible few years of events, navigating various challenges along the way. Each year, we’ve worked hard to deliver the best possible experience within our budget.
‘’However, with rising costs - including significant fees for artists - it has become increasingly difficult to sustain an event of this scale in Williamson Park. Unfortunately, it’s not feasible to continue losing money year after year without reassessing our approach.’’
‘’Highest Point has always been organised by a dedicated, small team from the local community. Unlike some larger music festivals, we do not have the backing of major booking power or receive funding based on self-reported figures.''
Above: Beyond Radio's Vanessa Ramsden interviews Sam Ryder at the 2024 Highest Point
‘’Our income relies solely on ticket sales and bar revenues, which, given the current climate, simply isn’t enough to break even.
‘’This isn’t the end for us; 2025 will just be a pause for the festival, and we look forward to what the future may hold.’’
Back in April, Rich Dyer (pictured above) from the organising team laid bare the costs of running the event, disclosing the bill for staging Highest Point was around £1.1 million, and in all the years it had been held, it had yet to break even.
Highest Point began in 2018, and headliners at previous Highest Point festivals have included the Kaiser Chiefs, Richard Ashcroft, Sister Sledge, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, James and Anne-Marie.
Appeal launched to help save Morecambe sports and social club
Reopening date announced after Morecambe Jobcentre closes for repairs
Lancaster charity urges residents to know how they’re affected by Renters' Rights Act
Lancaster district residents urged to check their details as annual electoral canvass begins
E-bikes and e-scooters seized during police crackdown on Lancaster cycle track
Four vehicles involved in road collision in Carnforth
LISTEN: Popular vlog tells story of couple's second-hand bookshop dream in Morecambe
Emergency team in Silverdale receives donation of life-saving kits
MP offers support to staff after Morecambe FC reported to The Pensions Regulator
Track night at Lancaster sports club to launch police safety scheme for women and girls
PHOTOS: Live music day to raise funds for homeless people in Lancaster hailed as huge success
Former bank turned live music venue in Morecambe to reopen under new management
New parking system set to launch at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Museum in Lancaster up for award launched by TV historian David Olusoga
MP fights for refunds after Heysham medical centre patients get parking fines in error
Two teenagers arrested after car stolen during Hest Bank burglary
Parents demand further action after health watchdog probe into asbestos complaints at Lancaster school
LISTEN: Lancaster medical students praised for helping man who collapsed
Man arrested on Morecambe beach after report of assault
Police probe burglaries in villages near Carnforth
