Festival cancels 2024 event due to rising costs

Idles are among the high profile acts to play Bingley Festival

The organisers of Bingley Festival have confirmed plans to cancel this year's event due to rising costs.

In a statement they said they had "exhausted all options" but hoped to return in 2025 to coincide with Bradford's year as the UK City of Culture.

The statement shared on Facebook came after organisers had made a previous plea to Bradford Council for support in March.

Jamie Williamson, whose band Apollo Junction have appeared at the festival three times before, said it was "disappointing" it would not go ahead.

"It'll come as no surprise, but with a heavy heart, we must announce the difficult decision to postpone Bingley Festival until 2025," the statement said.

"After months of work planning our return this summer, the rising costs of running the festival have made it nearly impossible to deliver the event in a way we envisioned and you are accustomed to."

It said the event would have to be cancelled "to ensure the festival's future".

The statement went on to say: "This decision was not taken lightly, and we have exhausted all options to welcome you back in 2024.

"Unfortunately, many events face similar financial challenges in these unprecedented times, resulting in several other independent festivals postponing their events recently."

Speaking earlier this month, the Association of Independent Festivals, said at least 36 UK festivals announced a postponement, cancellation or complete closure in 2024.

Jamie Williamson played the festival three times with his band Apollo Junction

"It's a shame to see that its not coming back this year," Mr Williamson said.

"We were disappointed to hear the news."

He said he expected the festival would be cancelled after performing there three times across two sites.

Mr Williamson added: "It's a funny time for gigs, shows and for live music.

"We're in a position where we are selling tickets but lots of bands and lots of venues are struggling, so to see festivals also struggling is difficult.

"It's disappointing to hear the news but we hope Bingley will be back soon."