Organisers of Hop Farm in Paddock Wood, near Tunbridge Wells have announced the cancellation of this year’s festival.
In an email to bands and agents, Hop Farm boss Vince Power said: “After reviewing the ticket sales on Hop Farm and the predicted final figures the festival would suffer unsustainable losses so therefore, as from today, it is with great sadness I am announcing the cancelation of the festival.
“I would like to say that this has no reflection on the artists but with around 2,000 ticket sold it is highlighting the poor state of the economy. At the selling rate the prediction today would be 4,500 sold.
“Thank you for your support this year, it has been a very hard decision.”
UPDATE 16.28: Vince Power has released the following statement on Hop Farm’s website
“It’s with great regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Hop Farm Music Festival 2013.
“We have worked very hard to try to make it work but it has proved too much a of mountain to climb and despite fighting hard, circumstances are such that based on poor ticket sales and the forecast selling rate substantial losses would be made.
“It is a surprise for us that after 8 weeks of heavy marketing and with such a great bill that we have to cancel, though we are convinced this does not reflect on the artists, it highlights the poor economic climate.
“We would like to thank all the staff, suppliers and contractors that have also worked very hard to try and put the festival on again this year.
“We have to thank the artists and agents that have supported us over the years and for this year’s acts to know that it has been a very hard decision to make, and we are very sorry that we are not able to have them play.
“We would also thank the fans that have supported us over the past 5 years, it is with great sadness that the decision was made.
“Ticket holders will receive a full refund from their ticket agents.”