01-04-2025
'Such a shame' - Music lovers gutted as festival cancelled amid funding issues
Many music-lovers are devastated as an Accrington festival has been cancelled due to lack of funding.
Oak Fest, which has been entertaining crowds at Oak Hill Park for two years, will not be held this year as 'funding has not been continued'.
A spokesperson for the event said Oak Fest was delivered as part of the 2023–2025 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme, which included a series of test events 'designed to raise Hyndburn's profile in culture and heritage while providing an economic boost'.
The 2024 event, which was headlined by Kate Nash, saw a 60 per cent decrease in ticket sales (2,000) compared to 2023 (5,000).
The 2023 event was free, but the council introduced "a low-cost, ticketed approach" last year, with ticket prices starting at £15.
The council, which ran the event, said Hyndburn already has a number of thriving music events, including Ossyfest, Hyndburn Sounds, which is receiving funding again this year, and the IMEP Festival.
A spokesperson said they 'weren't able to continue the very significant subsidy required for an event of this nature at this time'.
A council spokesperson said: 'Both the 2023 and 2024 festivals were hugely enjoyable and made the most of the fantastic Oak Hill Park stage.
"Nationally renowned artists performed alongside local bands, and Ossyfest added a second stage in 2024, creating a brilliant community feel.
'The inaugural event in 2023, which was free to attend, saw almost 5,000 tickets issued.
"In 2024, we trialled a low-cost, ticketed approach to explore commercial sustainability.
"Attendance reduced to around 2,000, including free tickets shared via our amazing community groups.
'As a council, it's important we consider value for money and long-term community benefit.
"Hyndburn already has a number of thriving music events, including Ossyfest, Hyndburn Sounds (which we're helping fund again this year) and the new IMEP Festival.
'We hope Oak Fest has helped raise the profile of live music locally and attracted new audiences to our cultural scene.
'The process for organisers to bid for this year's council event funding was open and transparent.
"We weren't able to continue the very significant subsidy required for an event of this nature at this time.
'That said, culture and heritage remain a key priority for the council and our partners, and we're looking forward to supporting a vibrant programme of events across the borough this year!'
Many fans of the festival are disappointed at the news.
One person said: 'What a shame.'
Another said: 'Shame to hear, it was a cracking event but understandable as the costs must be crazy.'
'This event was fantastic and brought so many people out to Accrington,' said another. 'I understand the cost of these things are high, but I'm sure people wouldn't mind paying a little extra for tickets. Especially with it being so good.'
