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.
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