Organisers of Lancaster’s Highest Point say it ‘isn’t the end’ after confirming the music and arts festival wouldn’t be taking place in 2026.
The annual event usually takes place in Williamson Park every May, and was last staged in 2024, welcoming 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.
Beyond Radio also hosted a Big Family Day Out event on the main stage.
It didn’t run in 2025 after bosses of the cited economic factors and increasing costs for the decision not to proceed.
It’s now been confirmed that the event won’t happen in 2026, for the same reasons.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Highest Point said: ‘’In case you hadn't guessed, there won't be a Highest Point in 2026.
‘’It's not the end entirely as we continue to work on other shows throughout the year, and who knows a return to the park in some form might be on our hands in the future, but at present the costs associated to running a festival in the park, or indeed anywhere are incredibly high compared to what people are able to pay for a ticket.
‘’We love Williamson Park and really hope we can return in some form, however for now keep your ears peeled for other events to come across the wonderful city of Lancaster.’’
Previously, 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.
LISTEN: Morecambe coffee shop owner thanks community for support after break-in
Appeal after vandals spray graffiti on new Lancaster public bins
Lancaster footballer Scott McTominay has successful heart op
Lancaster schoolgirl, eight, takes campaign to save bees to Westminster
Motorbike rider taken to hospital with serious injuries after crash at Carnforth
Two new jobs announced at Eden Project Morecambe
Building society in Morecambe’s West End to close
LISTEN: How Rajah the elephant came home
Air pollution levels across Lancaster District continue to fall
Lancaster man achieves podium finish in UK Bus Driver of the Year
Pothole Patrol sisters call for action over "appalling and disgraceful" road near leisure centre
New book shop opens in Morecambe after move from market
Motorists warned of months of disruption on M6 near Carnforth due to roadworks
City council 'educational' bin wagon on tour in Lancaster and Morecambe
Police seize e-scooter with young child on board near Carnforth
New temporary library to open in Lancaster while main building remains shut for repairs
"Unanswered questions": Local leaders react to decision to pause major overhaul of councils
Appeal to help bring Carnforth man home after tragic holiday swimming pool accident
Morecambe super-sized family return with new series of TV show 22 Kids and Counting
Hundreds of Lancaster homes get own electricity supply after trial hailed as success
