Sound of silence as festival cancelled

Published on Friday 11 April 2008 21:46

THE Isle of Skye Music Festival has been cancelled amid reports that organisers are £500,000 in debt.

The festival, launched in 2005, has attracted some of Britain's biggest bands, such as Kasabian and Primal Scream, to perform on the island's Ashaig airstrip.

It was reported last night that a shortfall from last year's event had forced organisers to ditch plans for this year's festival.

It was hoped large crowds would be attracted to the event last May by big names such as KT Tunstall and the Fun Lovin' Criminals. But only half the expected 8,000-a-day audience turned up.

It is understood some musicians and suppliers have yet to be paid for their work.

John Gilbertson, director of the festival, said: "Our intention at present is to start a phoenix company which will allow us to hopefully stage the event again in 2009.

"This will enable us to raise funds which we will put towards paying off existing creditors. We take our responsibilities seriously and this is currently our principal priority."

The Outsider Festival at Aviemore has also been shelved this year.

And Northern Lights, an arts festival in Durness inspired by and paying tribute to former Beatle John Lennon, will not go ahead this year despite the event being voted the UK's best new festival in 2007.