Organisers of Party at the Park in Perth say they do not believe it will be the last music festival cancelled this year due to the cost of living crisis.
The first-ever Party at the Park was originally planned for 2020 but had to be postponed twice due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A sister festival to Party at the Palace in Linlithgow, the two-day event was finally expected to take place over two days this June.
Acts including McFly, Steps and Sophie Ellis-Bextor were due to appear at South Inch.
TV star Gok Wan was also set to perform alongside Dundee singer Be Charlotte and Edinburgh-based Callum Beattie.
But in a statement on the festival’s website on Monday, organisers confirmed it has been cancelled – with just weeks to go.
Event director John Richardson told The Courier the “heartbreaking” decision has been made because people are struggling to afford to attend events.
There are events that would have sold out very quickly in recent years that are just not selling
He said: “If you look at websites like Ticketmaster, very few gigs are marked as sold out.
“There are events that would have sold out very quickly in recent years that are just not selling.
“We have three years of events that were cancelled [due to Covid] being squeezed in this summer and people don’t have the money in their pocket to go around.
“It’s horrible out there at the moment. We are well aware of the knock-on effect that cancelling a gig like this has.
Economic impact of festival’s cancellation
“First of all we’re disappointing the people that bought tickets, but the next part is obviously the economic impact.
“We’re disappointing [portable toilet firm] Scotloo for example.
“We’re telling them six weeks out they are no longer required.”
John says the team of three people behind the event – who are based in Fife – looked at other options to hold Party at the Park, but they were not possible.
He says he appreciates the decision will also have a “direct economic impact” on local firms.
He added: “There’s also the cultural side of things, with around 49 Scottish artists not being given the opportunity to perform or a payday. The knock-on effect is huge.
“We’re absolutely gutted about it, devastated really.”
Party at the Park is the second Perth and Kinross music event to be cancelled so far this week, with organisers of Mugstock festival – planned for Strathallan Castle – postponing that event until next year.
“I am so angry and upset about this – my friends are all feeling the same,” one ticket-holder told The Courier.
Covid and Brexit having impact on music events
Organisers of that event blamed the aftermath of the pandemic and Brexit, with suppliers expecting upfront payment for services and equipment.
Fans have expressed anger and disappointment at the cancellation of Party at the Park.
“We bought our tickets back in 2019 and everyone who was due to go will have been looking forward to having something to enjoy after months in lockdown,” one ticket-holder said.
“I understand everyone is finding it difficult after the pandemic, but this just feels ridiculous.
“It is only a month to go, everyone has paid their tickets and the line-up was announced weeks ago.”
Fans ‘gutted’ by decision
Fans have also responded to the announcement on social media.
One said: “You are joking! Was going to be such a good event.”
Another posted: “My wee one is gonna be devastated! Such a shame!”
Others said they are “gutted” and branded it “very disappointing”.
