Popular UK festival attracting thousands per year is suddenly AXED as ‘devastated’ organisers release statement
SUNDERLAND's Kubix Festival, one of the North East’s most popular events, has been cancelled, leaving organisers “devastated.”
The festival, which has attracted thousands each year since its launch in 2018, will not take place this summer as planned.
Held annually at Herrington Country Park in Sunderland, right opposite the iconic Penshaw Monument, Kubix Festival became a major fixture in the region’s entertainment calendar.
It started with a bang in 2018, featuring acts like East 17, Peter Andre, B*Witched, and Ronan Keating.
Over the years, the festival has attracted huge names such as Steps, Sugababes, and Busted, with last year’s headliners being the Year 3000 trio.
This year’s edition had been eagerly anticipated, with reggae legend Shaggy set to headline and popular acts like A1, Louise, Liberty X, and Gareth Gates on the bill.
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The Dance Arena was also set to feature big names like Basshunter, Darren Styles, and N-Trance.
But following speculation about the future of WannaSee, the company behind the event, organisers have confirmed that the festival will not be going ahead this year.
On Saturday, Kubix posted a statement on Facebook: "We’re heartbroken to confirm that Kubix Festival will not be going ahead this year.
"Despite enormous efforts behind the scenes, recent developments have made it impossible to continue," the organisers said, also offering an apology to ticket holders.
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WannaSee Ltd, the company responsible for Kubix, also released a statement announcing the cancellation of several festivals, including Kubix and Monument Festivals in Sunderland, Wannasee Penrith and Wannasee South, among others.
However, they confirmed that Lindisfarne Festival and Northern Kin would go ahead as planned.
The statement from WannaSee went on to explain the company’s struggles: “Despite extraordinary efforts behind the scenes to secure the future of WannaSee’s events, we’ve reached a point where continuing is no longer possible.
"The impact of a difficult trading environment, combined with a sudden collapse in customer confidence, has left the business unable to recover."
After nearly 100 independent festivals over the past 13 years, the company expressed deep regret at its closure.
"We are devastated. We are proud of what we achieved and heartbroken to see it end this way," the statement continued.
Kubix Festival’s organisers ended their statement with a heartfelt apology: "To all of our ticket holders: we are truly sorry.
"We understand your disappointment and frustration. Please contact your ticket provider or card issuer for refund information.
"Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being part of this journey."
The cancellation has left many fans heartbroken, but organisers have promised to do everything possible to refund ticket holders.
Many had been looking forward to the festival’s return after a successful event last year.
With the line-up featuring a mix of pop nostalgia and dance classics, Kubix had become a celebration of fan favourites and an annual highlight in Sunderland’s events calendar.
It’s a difficult blow for the North East, which has long supported the festival.
For local businesses and vendors, the news will also come as a disappointment, as Kubix has provided an economic boost to the area in previous years, attracting visitors from all across the UK.
The festival’s vibrant atmosphere had not only celebrated music but also boosted tourism, with Sunderland becoming a popular summer destination.
As fans take to social media to express their sadness and frustration, there are many questions about what led to the festival’s sudden axing.
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Some are hopeful that future editions of Kubix could be revived, but with the financial challenges facing the company, it seems uncertain when or if that will happen.
As of now, organisers have assured ticket holders that they will receive refunds and have thanked everyone who supported the festival over the years.
