August 3, 2009 10:40

Bloom Festival 2009 cancelled

Ticket holders are being offered a number of alternatives

Bloom Festival 2009 has been cancelled, organisers have confirmed.

The August 14-16 bash was due to see performances from Frankmusik, Post-War-Years, Esser and The Whip.

The economic downturn was partly to blame for the cancellation, the statement said. The festival was also forced to change venues, from West Littleton Down in South Gloucestershire to Chepstow Racecourse, after local residents opposed the original license conditions.

In a statement, organiser Olivia Chapman apologised to ticket holders and confirmed that the festival is due to take place in 2010, at Chepstow Racecourse.

"It's been an incredibly difficult decision for us to make, as Bloom is an independently run organisation, built from our very heart and souls," she explained. "We have worked tirelessly for the best part of nine months on this event, which makes it very hard for us to walk away from it. However we have to think of the bigger picture, and feel that we are making the right decision."

Ticketholders to Bloom Festival 2009 are being offered the chance to use their tickets to go to either the Big Chill festival this weekend (August 6-9) or Beachdown Festival (August 28-31).

It will cost £55 to upgrade to a Big Chill ticket, or £22.50 to upgrade to a Beachdown Festival ticket. Fans are encouraged to see Bigchill.net and Beachdownfestival.com for full details.

As well as the alternative festivals, Bloom Festival 2009 ticketholders are also being given free entry – plus one free additional ticket – to the Bloom Festival 2010 event.