Lindisfarne Festival is officially confirmed to go ahead for 2025, with a new team taking the helm after previous organisers, Wannasee, encountered significant difficulties. The beloved Northumberland event is set to entertain music fans at Beal Farm from August 28-30.
Rumours about the festival’s potential cancellation began circulating towards the end of last month, stemming from issues faced by Wannasee, the firm responsible for staging it. Wannasee has now confirmed it is “unable to continue” and has entered discussions with liquidators. This has led to the cancellation of numerous other events across the country, including the popular Kubix festival in Sunderland, which was set to be headlined by Shaggy this summer. Other casualties include Monument Festivals in Sunderland, various Wannasee events (Penrith, South), Jukebox festivals (Sunderland, Bingley), Sign of the Times, and Stone Valley festivals (South, Midlands, North). Northern Kin festival, initially hoped to be saved, also ultimately faced cancellation.
However, in a story with a happy ending for the industry, Lindisfarne has been rescued. The festival is now under new ownership and sees the return of its original founder, Conleth Maenpaa, as Festival Director. Maenpaa launched Lindisfarne in 2015 and grew it into one of the UK’s most respected independent festivals, having organised the first eight editions.
Speaking about the festival’s return, Conleth Maenpaa expressed his delight: “Lindisfarne Festival is in my heart, and I can’t wait to welcome our Pilgrims back to the Northumberland coast”. He added that the event is “in very safe hands” and they have an “exciting future ahead”. Maenpaa told the BBC he was “absolutely gutted” at the thought of the 10th-anniversary event not taking place, not just for attendees but also for staff, volunteers, traders, and contractors who rely on it. He was approached by the festival’s investors to take over after Wannasee’s issues emerged, stating, “We can’t let something like this go to waste”.
The rescue effort was made possible with the support of new backers, who are also the investors behind Hardwick Festival, one of the region’s flagship events in Sedgefield, County Durham. This backing ensures a “stable and ambitious future” for Lindisfarne. Maenpaa has stated that people can have confidence in the festival going ahead, as they have a “very capable” backer and most of the old team will be returning.
The wider impact of festival cancellations has been significant. Bernard Rostron, who has sold ethically sourced goods at his Priya stall since Lindisfarne’s first year, noted that four of the festivals he attended last year were not happening in 2025, with uncertainty surrounding another four. He highlighted the “knock-on” effect on his workers and suppliers in places like Kathmandu and Rajasthan, for whom his orders are crucial. Avid festival-goer Kevin Cooper, who attended around 150 gigs last year, was “very disappointed” by cancellations, warning that “things like this damage consumer confidence” and worryingly impacts the music industry. Cooper observed a “winding down” of festivals post-Covid, following an “explosion” pre-Covid.
For those who have already purchased tickets and camping for Lindisfarne, existing tickets will be honoured. Details regarding new ticket sales, dates, pricing, and the full line-up are expected to be released “very soon”.
The Lindisfarne Festival 2025 line-up is set to include:
- Armand Van Helden (dance legend/world famous DJ)
- Doves (indie band/favourites)
- The Waterboys (Whole of the Moon hitmakers/80s legends)
- Jamie Webster (acclaimed singer/songwriter)
- Hawkwind (filling the Lindi legends slot on Thursday night)
- Lottery Winners
- Lucy Spraggan
- The Fratellis
- Sandi Thom (‘I Wish I Was a Punkrocker’ singer)
The festival promises to be “something truly special” with its programme shaping up well, and fans are encouraged to keep an eye on social media for the latest announcements. Conleth Maenpaa is committed to “bringing Lindisfarne Festival back to the level it deserves to be at”.
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