The HeritageLive Festival 2026, which was set to have headline performances from Janet Jackson, Lionel Richie, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin and Eric Clapton, will no longer be going ahead.
The organisers announced the “heart-breaking news” on Monday morning and said they had “no choice but to cancel” this summer’s event at the royal Norfolk estate.
They said that with the cost-of-living crisis combined with general financial uncertainty, it has resulted in “several shows having far lower than average ticket sales, making it impossible to survive in such a competitive industry, with so many rising costs”.
The statement added: “We’d been working desperately hard behind the scenes to conclude an investment and equity package to ease the burden of an extraordinarily tough year, but this last beacon of hope has fallen through at the 11th hour, making it impossible to go ahead.
“As one of the few remaining British independent promoters, it’s become almost impossible to compete in what has become an increasingly saturated festival market.
“The whole HeritageLive team is absolutely devastated.
“It would have been the most amazing summer with such an extraordinary array of supreme talent and we’re all so very sorry to let everyone down.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has supported and enjoyed our events over the past 10 years.
“While this is devastating news, we hope that in time you’re able to look back with fond memories to those happier days; we’ve had so many awesome and magical moments over the years and hope they remain in your hearts forever.”
Janet Jackson was due to headline the opening night of the five-day series on August 19, followed by Lionel Richie on August 20 and Christina Aguilera on August 21.
Ricky Martin was then expected to take to the stage on August 22, with Eric Clapton closing the festival on August 23.
This year, the concert series had also planned to host a live comedy stand-up stage for the first time, with headlining comedians include Russell Howard, Josh Widdicombe, Rory Bremner, Tom Allen and Russell Kane.
The HeritageLive Festivals at Englefield Estate and the Audley End Estate have also been cancelled.
Tickets can be refunded through the official platforms.
