Organisers of popular music and arts festival announce this year's event will be their last

Underneath The Stars was founded in 2014 by the family of “Barnsley nightingale” Kate Rusby, elder sister, festival director Emma Holling and sound engineer and brother Joe Rusby.

Ms Holling paid tribute to their “incredible” audience and volunteers saying “the laughter, music, and unforgettable memories” had “exceeded our wildest expectations”.

In a statement she said: “We never imagined that a wild idea conceived around our dining room table, overlooking the hills near Cawthorne, would blossom into the amazing festival it is today. When we started a decade ago, we were driven, as now, by passion and a sense of adventure.

"Now, we find ourselves in different places, both personally and professionally and operating in different times.”

She urged festivalgoers to attend their “most spectacular” event yet, headlined by folk singer Kate, along with The Feeling and Bill Bailey, from August 2 to 4.

It comes as more than 40 UK festivals have announced postponement, cancellations or closures. In May the organisers of Bingley Festival cancelled this year’s event due to rising costs.

The Association of Independent Festivals says the problems stem back to pandemic lockdowns preventing festivals taking place. When they were eventually did in 2022, ticket prices remained the same, but costs had spiralled. As well as Brexit they’ve had to contend with inflation, the Ukraine war and the energy crisis.

Ms Hollins said the festival scene was “challenging” and their “hearts and minds are with all our festival friends and family”. She said: “If you are thinking at all about supporting Underneath the Stars or any independent event or festival this year, now more than ever is the time to.”