Rising costs have forced the cancellation of a two-day music festival in Somerset.

Farmfest, a beloved event with a 15-year history, was scheduled to be held at a farm near Bruton this coming August.

However, the mounting operating costs mean the festival is no longer viable.

A Farmfest spokesperson said, "We are incredibly sad to announce the end of Farmfest. As a small, independent festival, it has been a tough few years to remain affordable whilst also keeping up with the huge rise in running costs. It's a fine line we have struggled to tread and sadly the result is we must bring the festival to a close."

"The announcement will not come as a surprise to many of you who have so patiently been waiting for an update on our 2023 plans. With this news in mind we must now turn our attention to those of you who still hold tickets to our event."

In response to the cancellation, the Farmfest organisers have partnered with Valley Fest's organisers in Chew Magna to provide an alternative festival. Ticket holders have been given the option to either upgrade their tickets to this event, donate the value of their ticket to WaterAid, or seek a complete refund.

The alternative event boasts an impressive lineup, including acts like the Kooks, Soul II Soul, and Bananarama.

The Farmfest spokesperson mentioned, "Ticket sellers will be in touch with every remaining ticket holder with information on what to do next." The organisers have expressed their gratitude to those who supported Farmfest throughout the years.

Concluding the announcement, the spokesperson said, "We want to send our heartfelt gratitude to everyone which has supported Farmfest over the last 15 years since it started. We're gutted this marks the end but we still have the fantastic memories of partying on the farm together. See you down the road."