ORGANISERS behind the Leigh Folk Festival have announced the 2024 event has been cancelled.

Since 1992, the event has been a highlight of the Leigh and Southend events calendar, which takes place within the walls of picturesque Leigh Library Gardens and in other nearby venues for music, comedy, dancing and so much more performances.

Now, organisers have taken the decision to take a “fallow year” in 2024 due to committee struggling to find new members to join, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis and increasing production costs.

However, a number of smaller events will be planned throughout 2024 to help raise funds for the festival.

In a statement, the Leigh Folk Festival said: “For nearly 32 years, Leigh Folk Festival has been a highlight in the Leigh and Southend events calendar.

“However, the organising committee has made the hard decision to take a fallow year in 2024.

“The festival is run by arts charity Leigh Folk Arts, with the event organised by a committee of volunteers.

“Over the past few years, the committee has struggled to find new members to join, lead and carry the baton into the next generation.

“This, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis and the ever-increasing production costs, has made it very difficult to produce a 2024 event.

“However, we believe this is the best decision for the event’s future.

“This fallow year allows the charity to regroup, strengthen, recruit and fundraise for a return in 2025, ensuring we’re back bigger and better than ever.

“We’re not going to sit still, with a number of smaller events planned throughout 2024 to help raise funds for the charity, and in turn, the festival.

“If you know anyone who may be interested in joining the Leigh Folk Festival team, helping to organise the event or fundraise, then please email: info@leighfolkfestival.com.

“Our next fundraising event is on Friday, December 8 as Scott Matthews returns to Leigh for the penultimate night of his UK tour at Leigh Road Baptist Church.

“Tickets are £19 and are available from leighfolkfestival.com.

“We’d love to see as many of you there as possible.

“We thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to seeing you back in Leigh Library Gardens soon.”