Lancaster’s Highest Point music festival won’t return in 2026

Wednesday, 14 January 2026 11:06

By Beyond Radio News

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.

Have you got a local news story? Email us now, newsdesk@beyondradio.co.uk

Join our free WhatsApp channel and get the latest news direct to your phone:

More from Local News

Stars to play in celebrity football match in Morecambe in memory of brave teenager

Soap and reality TV stars will play in a football match at Morecambe FC to raise money for a local cancer charity set up by a much-loved schoolboy.
U-turn confirmed on decision to pause Autism and ADHD referrals across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay

Plans to pause new referrals for autism and ADHD diagnoses for young people in Lancaster and Morecambe Bay have been put on hold, it has been confirmed.
Morecambe Promenade will NOT close during £2.6m electricity works

Residents and businesses have been reassured that Morecambe Promenade will remain open to traffic as a multi-million pound electricity upgrade continues.
Thumbs up for design changes marks start of "transformative year" for Eden Project Morecambe

Changes to the design of Eden Project Morecambe have been given planning approval - a decision hailed by Eden as a "major milestone".
Bolton-le-Sands pensioner, 81, targeted in telephone courier fraud banking scam

A Bolton-le-Sands pensioner in her 80s was targeted in a telephone courier fraud banking scam earlier today, said police.
LISTEN: Up to 200 homes between Slyne and Bolton-le-Sands refused

Plans to build up to 200 homes in fields between Bolton-le-Sands and Slyne-with-Hest have been turned down.
Volunteers plant 120 native trees at Royal Lancaster Infirmary as part of major nature recovery project

Volunteers from the Royal Lancaster Infirmary have helped plant 120 native trees in the hospital grounds, marking the latest step in a major programme to improve biodiversity and create greener, healthier spaces.
Celebrating 25 years since opening of Lancaster’s iconic Millennium Bridge

Lancaster’s iconic Lune Millennium Bridge is turning 25 today.
Lorry driver flees scene as teenagers suffer serious injuries in M6 collision near Lancaster

A teenage driver and his passenger suffered serious injuries following a collision involving two cars and a lorry on the M6 near Lancaster last night.
Autism and ADHD referrals paused across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay over high demand

New referrals for autism and ADHD diagnoses for young people in Lancaster and Morecambe Bay have been paused over "unprecedented high levels of demand".
Uber granted operators licence for Lancaster district

Taxi operator Uber will be regulated by the local authority after it was granted a private hire operator licence by Lancaster City Council.
Appeal to find relatives as memorial benches to be removed near Eden Project Morecambe site

Around 15 memorial benches will be removed near the site of the planned Eden Project Morecambe and relatives have been asked to come forward.
Lancaster branch of Lloyds bank to close this summer

The Lancaster branch of Lloyds bank is set to shut later this year.
Child's trike stolen from garden in Morecambe is found after police appeal

A little boy has been reunited with his trike after it was stolen from a garden in Morecambe.
Rock star John Waite proud of Lancaster roots on visit to home city

Lancaster rock star John Waite has delighted residents on a visit back home.
Morecambe and Heysham pubs win big at Lancashire Tourism Awards

Pubs from Morecambe and Heysham were among the winners at a county-wide celebration of the best in tourism.
First spades in the ground at Morecambe school's pioneering eco-garden

Land at a Morecambe primary school is being transformed into an eco-garden for pupils to learn about nature, wellbeing and the outdoors.
Morecambe FC Director of Fan Engagement resigns

The Morecambe Football Club Director of Fan Engagement has resigned after four-and-a-half months in the role.
65 e-bikes and e-scooters seized in three months during Lancaster district crackdown

65 e-bikes and e-scooters have been seized by police over the last three months in the area of the county including the Lancaster district.
Police appeal for theft of calculators from Lancaster stationers

Police are appealing for information after the theft of a quantity of calculators from a Lancaster stationers.