logo
Popular UK festival attracting thousands per year is suddenly AXED as ‘devastated' organisers release statement

Popular UK festival attracting thousands per year is suddenly AXED as ‘devastated' organisers release statement

The Irish Sun24-05-2025

SUNDERLAND's Kubix Festival, one of the North East's most popular events, has been cancelled, leaving organisers 'devastated.'
The festival, which has attracted thousands each year since its launch in 2018, will not take place this summer as planned.
Advertisement
4
It started with a bang in 2018, featuring acts like East 17, Peter Andre, B*Witched, and Ronan Keating
Credit: Alamy
4
The Dance Arena was also set to feature big names like Basshunter, Darren Styles, and N-Trance
Credit: Instagram
4
Lindisfarne Festival and Northern Kin would go ahead as planned
Credit: Alamy
Held annually at Herrington Country Park in
It started with a bang in 2018, featuring acts like East 17, Peter Andre, B*Witched, and Ronan Keating.
Over the years, the festival has attracted huge names such as Steps, Sugababes, and Busted, with last year's headliners being the Year 3000 trio.
This year's edition had been eagerly anticipated, with reggae legend Shaggy set to headline and popular acts like A1, Louise,
Advertisement
Read more on News
The Dance Arena was also set to feature big names like Basshunter, Darren Styles, and N-Trance.
But following speculation about the future of WannaSee, the company behind the event, organisers have confirmed that the festival will not be going ahead this year.
On Saturday, Kubix posted a statement on Facebook: "We're heartbroken to confirm that Kubix Festival will not be going ahead this year.
"Despite enormous efforts behind the scenes, recent developments have made it impossible to continue," the organisers said, also offering an apology to ticket holders.
Advertisement
Most read in The Sun
WannaSee Ltd, the company responsible for Kubix, also released a statement announcing the cancellation of several festivals, including Kubix and Monument Festivals in Sunderland, Wannasee Penrith and Wannasee South, among others.
However, they confirmed that Lindisfarne Festival and Northern Kin would go ahead as planned.
The statement from WannaSee went on to explain the company's struggles: 'Despite extraordinary efforts behind the scenes to secure the future of WannaSee's events, we've reached a point where continuing is no longer possible.
"The impact of a difficult trading environment, combined with a sudden collapse in customer confidence, has left the business unable to recover."
Advertisement
After nearly 100 independent festivals over the past 13 years, the company expressed deep regret at its closure.
"We are devastated. We are proud of what we achieved and heartbroken to see it end this way," the statement continued.
Kubix Festival's organisers ended their statement with a heartfelt apology: "To all of our ticket holders: we are truly sorry.
"We understand your disappointment and frustration. Please contact your ticket provider or card issuer for refund information.
Advertisement
"Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being part of this journey."
The cancellation has left many fans heartbroken, but organisers have promised to do everything possible to refund ticket holders.
Many had been looking forward to the festival's return after a successful event last year.
With the line-up featuring a mix of pop nostalgia and dance classics, Kubix had become a celebration of fan favourites and an annual highlight in Sunderland's events calendar.
Advertisement
It's a difficult blow for the
For local businesses and vendors, the news will also come as a disappointment, as Kubix has provided an economic boost to the area in previous years, attracting visitors from all across the UK.
The festival's vibrant atmosphere had not only celebrated music but also boosted tourism, with Sunderland becoming a popular summer destination.
As fans take to social media to express their sadness and frustration, there are many questions about what led to the festival's sudden axing.
Advertisement
Some are hopeful that future editions of Kubix could be revived, but with the financial challenges facing the company, it seems uncertain when or if that will happen.
As of now, organisers have assured ticket holders that they will receive refunds and have thanked everyone who supported the festival over the years.
4
The cancellation has left many fans heartbroken, but organisers have promised to do everything possible to refund ticket holders
Credit: Facebook/Kubix Festival

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Affordable holiday island for Brits with white sand beaches and Dubai-like restaurants that is loved by celebs
Affordable holiday island for Brits with white sand beaches and Dubai-like restaurants that is loved by celebs

The Irish Sun

time2 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

Affordable holiday island for Brits with white sand beaches and Dubai-like restaurants that is loved by celebs

CYPRUS has been an affordable holiday destination for Brits for years, and it's popular with celebrities too. With white sandy beaches, delicious food, and beautiful villas, it's no surprise that one beloved British singer even has a holiday home there. 6 Holidaymakers and celebrities alike flock to Cyprus every year Credit: Alamy 6 Peter Andre is one of the celebs that frequently visits Cyprus Credit: Instagram Over the years, the likes of There have also been lots of British holidaymakers there like Kerry Katona, James Blunt, and Peter Andre - who has a strong connection to Cyprus that 20 years ago, he decided to build his own holiday home there. In the city of Larnaca on the southeast coast of Cyprus, Peter has a villa with five bedrooms, a swimming pool and tennis court . Talking to Sun Travel about his holiday home in Larnaca, Peter said: "The house is so beautiful and private. Obviously the smells, the foods, it reminds me of my childhood and my parents. Read More on Cyprus "I bought the land 20 odd years ago and I said 'dad, here's the money to build it' and my dad spent three years building the most beautiful house. "It's very sentimental to us and the other thing is there are some amazing beaches with bright white sand." As for where to go, Peter added: "I like to go to quiet places. I don't really like to go where it's crazily busy. "The food there is amazing and we love the restaurants. For anyone going to Larnaca, I have three recommendations. One is a new restaurants called Theta in Perivolia which is very near the airport. It does Mediterranean food, but done in the style of a Dubai 5-star restaurant. Most read in Beach holidays "We go there and we're like 'why doesn't anyone know about this place?'" Peter also loves to go to a Japanese restaurant called Nippon. All the free activities Cyprus has to offer 6 Peter's Cyprus holiday home has a huge pool with sunbeds Credit: 6 There's even an outdoor kitchen area Credit: He also added: "There's another one called Opa Souvlaki Kiti, it's not fancy, but if you want a proper Greek kebab done the Cypriot way, go there." Peter stayed tight-lipped about the quiet beaches he and his family head to on holiday. But some of the most popular across the island according to Tripadvisor are Nissi Beach, Fig Tree Bay Beach, Coral Bay and Makronissos Beach. For anyone who fancies a trip over to Cyprus, you can even Inside is five bedrooms, each one sleeping two people. The rooms have queen beds or single beds, and their own en suites. The shared spaces include huge living area with two sets of sofas, as well as a separate dining and kitchen area. Outside, there's lots of places to relax by the pool or battle it out in a game of tennis. 6 The price of a holiday in Larnaca has dropped compared to last year Credit: Alamy It's a great time to go to Larnaca too as the holiday destination with the biggest price drop. According to the holiday comparison website, prices of a holiday to Larnaca have fallen by £495 per person. The average price in 2024 was £1,292.04 and in 2025 is £797.97 - a 38 per cent decrease. Flights from the UK take just over four hours and you can book flights with There's another place a little further afield that Peter described as 'a kids' paradise' - as he And here's the 6 The affordable island of Cyprus has become a holiday hotspot for celebs Credit: Alamy

Popular UK festival attracting thousands per year is suddenly AXED as ‘devastated' organisers release statement
Popular UK festival attracting thousands per year is suddenly AXED as ‘devastated' organisers release statement

The Irish Sun

time24-05-2025

  • The Irish Sun

Popular UK festival attracting thousands per year is suddenly AXED as ‘devastated' organisers release statement

SUNDERLAND's Kubix Festival, one of the North East's most popular events, has been cancelled, leaving organisers 'devastated.' The festival, which has attracted thousands each year since its launch in 2018, will not take place this summer as planned. Advertisement 4 It started with a bang in 2018, featuring acts like East 17, Peter Andre, B*Witched, and Ronan Keating Credit: Alamy 4 The Dance Arena was also set to feature big names like Basshunter, Darren Styles, and N-Trance Credit: Instagram 4 Lindisfarne Festival and Northern Kin would go ahead as planned Credit: Alamy Held annually at Herrington Country Park in It started with a bang in 2018, featuring acts like East 17, Peter Andre, B*Witched, and Ronan Keating. Over the years, the festival has attracted huge names such as Steps, Sugababes, and Busted, with last year's headliners being the Year 3000 trio. This year's edition had been eagerly anticipated, with reggae legend Shaggy set to headline and popular acts like A1, Louise, Advertisement Read more on News The Dance Arena was also set to feature big names like Basshunter, Darren Styles, and N-Trance. But following speculation about the future of WannaSee, the company behind the event, organisers have confirmed that the festival will not be going ahead this year. On Saturday, Kubix posted a statement on Facebook: "We're heartbroken to confirm that Kubix Festival will not be going ahead this year. "Despite enormous efforts behind the scenes, recent developments have made it impossible to continue," the organisers said, also offering an apology to ticket holders. Advertisement Most read in The Sun WannaSee Ltd, the company responsible for Kubix, also released a statement announcing the cancellation of several festivals, including Kubix and Monument Festivals in Sunderland, Wannasee Penrith and Wannasee South, among others. However, they confirmed that Lindisfarne Festival and Northern Kin would go ahead as planned. The statement from WannaSee went on to explain the company's struggles: 'Despite extraordinary efforts behind the scenes to secure the future of WannaSee's events, we've reached a point where continuing is no longer possible. "The impact of a difficult trading environment, combined with a sudden collapse in customer confidence, has left the business unable to recover." Advertisement After nearly 100 independent festivals over the past 13 years, the company expressed deep regret at its closure. "We are devastated. We are proud of what we achieved and heartbroken to see it end this way," the statement continued. Kubix Festival's organisers ended their statement with a heartfelt apology: "To all of our ticket holders: we are truly sorry. "We understand your disappointment and frustration. Please contact your ticket provider or card issuer for refund information. Advertisement "Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being part of this journey." The cancellation has left many fans heartbroken, but organisers have promised to do everything possible to refund ticket holders. Many had been looking forward to the festival's return after a successful event last year. With the line-up featuring a mix of pop nostalgia and dance classics, Kubix had become a celebration of fan favourites and an annual highlight in Sunderland's events calendar. Advertisement It's a difficult blow for the For local businesses and vendors, the news will also come as a disappointment, as Kubix has provided an economic boost to the area in previous years, attracting visitors from all across the UK. The festival's vibrant atmosphere had not only celebrated music but also boosted tourism, with Sunderland becoming a popular summer destination. As fans take to social media to express their sadness and frustration, there are many questions about what led to the festival's sudden axing. Advertisement Some are hopeful that future editions of Kubix could be revived, but with the financial challenges facing the company, it seems uncertain when or if that will happen. As of now, organisers have assured ticket holders that they will receive refunds and have thanked everyone who supported the festival over the years. 4 The cancellation has left many fans heartbroken, but organisers have promised to do everything possible to refund ticket holders Credit: Facebook/Kubix Festival

Peter Andre opens up on bullying and racism he's suffered after being forced to delete ‘racist' Jamaican film trailer
Peter Andre opens up on bullying and racism he's suffered after being forced to delete ‘racist' Jamaican film trailer

The Irish Sun

time20-05-2025

  • The Irish Sun

Peter Andre opens up on bullying and racism he's suffered after being forced to delete ‘racist' Jamaican film trailer

HE dreamt of being a famous actor long before making pop hits - now Peter Andre has fulfilled his ambition of being on the silver screen as a lead star. It signals a new era for the Mysterious Girl singer who transforms into Gary Buckle, a London crook risking his life to pull off a heist to cover his nan's care, in Fredi Nwaka's crime-comedy Jafaican, out today in ODEON cinemas. 6 Peter Andre has opened up on the bullying and racism he's suffered over his acting debut in Jafaican Credit: Ian Whittaker 6 He transforms into Gary Buckle, a London crook risking his life to pull off a heist to cover his nan's care, in Fredi Nwaka's crime-comedy Credit: Radioactive Pictures Hours after landing back in the UK following an eight-day promotion tour in Australia, Peter sat down with The Sun to discuss playing conman Gazza, who must master a Caribbean accent and culture to impersonate a notorious Jamaican gangster for a £3million payout. 'When I read the script , I spent the whole time laughing,' says Peter, in an interview from his Surrey home. 'It was warm, with a deep, heartfelt message about what someone would do to care for the person that they love. It was also a beautiful tribute to Jamaica. 'But for me, working on Jafaican has been a dream come true. READ MORE ON PETER ANDRE 'I know some people were a bit sceptical at first because we didn't know whether I could deliver what we had planned, but the reviews we've had have been phenomenal. 'I studied acting as a kid before going into music from 16, but I always knew I was going to come back to it. I always said to my dad, 'when I get to my 40s, I'm moving back into film , that's what I want to do'.' That's why it meant so much to Peter to have his beloved father attend the film's world premiere at the Gold Coast Film Festival on May 9, where critics hailed Jafaican as fast-paced and full of laughs, with an emotional undertone. Peter is already making plans to star in the sequel having spent two months filming in Jamaica, his 'bucket list' location, using local crew and businesses to feed money back into the economy. Most read in Celebrity He also worked alongside some of the country's most-celebrated stars including musician Sizzla Kalonji and comedian Oliver Samuels. Fast-paced film Jafaican is full of laughs Despite rave reviews across the world, controversy around cultural identity was sparked over Peter's fake Jamaican accent and dreadlocks when the trailer dropped last month. The title of the film is named after the term that describes a white person adopting a Jamaican dialect. Peter Andre Relaxes at Champneys in Henlow He has today spoken openly about how his own experiences with racism as a child shaped the way he sees the world today. 'I remember the bullying and the racism we suffered as kids in Australia and how tough that was,' says Peter, who was born in London to Greek-Cypriot parents before emigrating Down Under aged six. 'But it gave me a deep understanding of what's truly offensive and what's not. 'If someone dressed up with a curly wig and a big nose, doing a Greek accent, I'd probably laugh – it depends on the intention. But if someone said 'I hate you Greeks' or made hateful comments about our skin, that's where the line is. That's racism.' I genuinely believe Jafaican is about storytelling and paying homage, not mockery. Peter Andre Peter - who was tied to a fence by blue-eyed, blonde-haired schoolkids throwing stones at his head because of his darker skin tone - added: 'In a way, things have become muddied. I genuinely believe Jafaican is about storytelling and paying homage, not mockery. 6 Peter sat down with The Sun to discuss playing conman Gazza Credit: Ian Whittaker 6 Peter is seen with director, Fredi Credit: Ian Whittaker 'I know some people can genuinely feel offended, and their voices matter, but sometimes people react without context or full understanding. 'We did our research, we worked with Jamaican talent, and we wanted to tell a story with heart.' His ability to separate art from personal attacks comes from his own experience of being ridiculed on-screen by actor Danny Dyer, whose character Moff in the 1999 film Human Traffic included an 'horrific' minute-long monologue about wanting to kill him. Danny Dyer hurt me, but he's a great actor Talking about Robert De Niro's 1976 psychological movie Taxi Driver in the back of a cab, Moff calls Peter an 'ugly f***' before describing how he'd brutally torture him before eventually shooting him between the eyes, adding: 'So long Pete, no one gives a f*** about you.' Peter tells us: 'At the time, I was hurt – I rang my lawyers. But over the years I came to understand: it's just acting. Danny was playing a role. I've met him many times since and I think he's a great guy.' He's grown a thick skin over a three-decade career and it's no surprise he's earned the reputation of being TV's Mr Nice Guy. Jafaican is warm, with a deep, heartfelt message about what someone would do to care for the person they love. Peter Andre Alongside juggling his soaring film career, Pete is still a hands-on dad bringing up Junior and Princess from his first marriage and his three youngest kids with his wife Moments before our interview, family-man Pete sweetly kisses 17-year-old Princess on her forehead as she offers to make lunch for guests he's welcomed into his beautiful five-bed home. 6 Junior and Princess Andre join dad Pete at the new Mission Impossible premiere Credit: Getty Soon, the youngest kids come home from school and lovingly run to see their dad, who got to spend time with his elderly parents while working in Australia over the last week. Family-man Pete wants to spend more time in Australia Family means everything to Pete who describes Jafaican's plot as a 'love story disguised under the heist'. The comedy's hidden meaning is what writer, producer and director Fredi says he's most proud of. 'It's a comedy , it's a feel-good film that's high octane, hilarious, but with a good meaning and a good takeaway at the end,' said Fredi, whose film will be seen in full for the first time at a pre-screening tonight in London. 'There's a lot of what I call bubblegum and popcorn films, where you go to the cinema, you laugh a lot, and then you just go home. Well, this one actually leaves you with a really strong message to take away from it.' Fredi joined Peter at the film premiere Down Under whose mum, who suffers from Alzheimer's, could sadly not attend because of ill health . 'It was a bittersweet night because mum couldn't come, but I got to take my dad – and the premiere was just around the corner from the house I grew up in. It meant the world to me,' admits Peter. Watch this space, says ambitious Peter Andre He is now working on a plan to spend more time out on the Gold Coast making more memories with his parents, who have been married 70 years this September. Fighting back tears, an emotional Peter said: 'If there's a way I could just go there for the next five years and be with them more often, I would do it in a heartbeat. All about Peter Andre Who is Peter Andre? Why did Peter and All about Peter's daughter with ex-wife Who is Peter Andre's All the news about Peter Andre Who is 'Everyone knows how much I love 'One thing that mum said that's really stuck with me is I kept saying, 'but mum, I need you' and she said, 'like, you need me, your kids need you'. 'I don't want to be without her. It's tough even saying it. 'It's causing a lot of anxiety, but I've got to be here for my kids. I'm working on ways to be able to spend more time out in Australia with my Emily and the kids.' 6 Peter's parents Savvas and Thea Andrea Credit: Instagram Thanks to the backing of his family, Peter's screen acting career is just getting started. 'I've got a TV drama, a 10-part series, that I've filmed, which will be coming out later in the year", he adds. 'I'm not allowed to give the title away, but it's an international release on Paramount+. 'Also, I can't wait until we start on the Jafaican sequel. So, watch this space.' Watch Jafaican in ODEON cinemas now, starring Bradley Turner, Peter Andre , Alexander Garcia, Sizzla Kalonji, Jamie Lomas , Wil Johnson, Jessica-Jane Stafford.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store