Three summer music festivals at historic estates have been canceled at the eleventh hour, with the organizer blaming high costs and low ticket sales.
Heritage Live festivals have promised star-studded line-ups including Christina Aguilera, Eric Clapton and Lionel Richie at the royal Sandringham estate in Norfolk in August.
Scissor Sisters played Audley End House in Essex also in August, and Richard Ashcroft was among the headliners at Englefield Estate in Berkshire in July.
Organizer GCE Live said the financial aid package fell through, making it impossible to continue.
The online message said: “We are devastated to share the heartbreaking news that we have no choice but to cancel the HeritageLive Summer Festivals.
“As one of the few remaining UK independent promoters, it has become virtually impossible to compete in an increasingly saturated festival market.
“The power of huge multinational corporations has driven up costs for suppliers, artists and staff.
“The cost of living crisis, coupled with general financial uncertainty, has resulted in several shows experiencing far below average ticket sales.”
The firm said it is grateful for its clients’ support over the past 10 years.
The daytime festival series has previously featured The Who, Sir Tom Jones and Sir Van Morrison.
Organizer Giles Cooper OBE is chairman of the Royal Variety Charity and runs the annual Royal Variety Performance.
GCE Live said its ticket agents must offer refunds “within a reasonable period”.