Riverside music festival cancelled over increased costs

Riverside Festival in 2022Image source, RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL
Image caption,

The organisers of Riverside Festival said increasing costs meant it was not viable to host the event this year

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An electronic music festival has been cancelled due to low ticket sales and rising costs.

Organisers of the Riverside Festival, external said they were unable to host the event at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow over the 25-26 May bank holiday weekend.

A statement on social media said they had taken the "extremely difficult decision" to cancel, but promised music fans they were preparing for "two huge shows" later in the year.

They added full refunds would be available from ticket holders' point of purchase.

The festival, which attracts some of the fastest-rising electronic music talent from across the UK and Europe, celebrated its 10th anniversary last year.

It was due to be headlined this year by West Lothian duo LF System and American DJ Green Velvet.

But its organisers said increasing costs combined with a heavy calendar for dance music events meant it was no longer viable to host the festival this year.

They said: "It is with deep regret and heavy hearts that we’ve taken the extremely difficult decision to cancel this year’s Riverside Festival.

"With lower-than-expected sales and increased infrastructure, staff, transport, and artist costs, all in an over-saturated event landscape, we could not deliver the festival to our usual high standards.

"We understand how upsetting this is for those of you who have bought tickets, and we sincerely thank you all for your continued support."

The organisers said they was planning for shows to be held at the same venue on 31 August and 1 September, but the line-ups are yet to be confirmed.

Ticket holders have been told to expect refunds within five working days.