By Monk
ManorFest, which was due to take place at Whittlebury Park in Northamptonshire next weekend, has been cancelled.
The festival had been due to host headliners including Accept, Overkill, Candlemass, Rotting Christ and My Dying Bride.
In a statement, organizer Wayne Jackson quoted “legal reasons” for the short notice cancellation. He went on to say:
“Set up costs have spiralled upwards, power and fuel costs are through the roof, and the media daily reports doom and gloom and inflation at 10 per cent plus. I have put everything I have in to trying to get the festival over the line, my team have worked ceaselessly exploring all options in our efforts to make things work, but we just can’t get there this year.
“I know many, many people have made specific work and travel arrangements and I truly sympathise and apologise to everyone I have let down. It doesn’t help you individually, but believe me, I am heartbroken to give you this news.
“I have spoken now to practically every band that was booked, and the majority are committing to next year’s event.
“It will help us to survive if those who can, roll their tickets over to 2023. If everyone requests refunds, we will be destroyed as a festival. Please, please do roll your tickets over. We will offer refunds. Please be aware and this takes time
“I promise that next year will surpass everything that was planned for this year. We will have a much bigger professional operation behind us, a far bigger and professional social media presence, fantastic bands as always, and better facilities and on site entertainment for everyone.
“I know this is terrible news to publish, but I am asking you from my heart, to accept my apologies again and please stay with us for next year.”
As a result of today’s announcement, New York thrash legends Overkill’s planned shows in Dublin and Belfast next weekend have also been cancelled.