ORGANISERS have announced that a music festival planned for August has been cancelled.

Down to the Woods, formerly Hardwick Live, was due to take place at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, on August 13 and 14, but according to a statement "due to the present financial climate and current ticket sales a decision has been made to not proceed".

"However, Down To The Woods have ensured that all adult weekend ticket holders can still attend a great festival this summer," said a spokeswoman. "Down To The Woods weekend ticket holders may swap their ticket for a weekend ticket at Kendal Calling with camping included at no extra charge."

The line-up was set to include Primal Scream, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Selecter and Chase and Status.

The statement adds that to take up the offer email support@downtothewoodsfestival.co.uk before 5pm Friday, July 1.

"After that date all outstanding weekend tickets that have not taken up the Kendal offer will be refunded in full," she said.

"All adult day tickets, youth and child tickets across the weekend will be refunded in the next seven days."

Darlington singer Hayley McKay, who was due to open the festival with her new band on the main stage, was unaware it had been cancelled when contacted by The Northern Echo.

She said: "I'm gutted because it's a fantastic festival. I went last year and the year before and it was packed, so it's a bit of a shock that it's been cancelled."

Hayley, who is supporting Scouting For Girls at the Northumberland Live event in Blyth tomorrow night and Tom Jones next month, added: "Luckily I've got some other gigs lined up, but Down To The Woods is close to home – a lot of friends and family were going and I really enjoyed playing it."

Disappointed festival-goer Mark Lowther said: "I was looking forward to seeing Primal Scream and Echo and the Bunnymen. I went to it the first two years and it was a great festival."

  • Did you have a ticket for Down To The Woods? Contact the newsdesk on 01325-505054 or email newsdesk@nne.co.uk.