A popular music festival in Cumbria has been cancelled ahead of its fifth anniversary.

'Askambury', named after its famous Glastonbury contemporary, was expected to take place in the summer.

On Sunday festival bosses revealed that the event would not be happening this year, though there are still hopes that 2025 will welcome its return.

They said: "Askambury is not something that can be planned overnight. Planning for the following year normally starts immediately after the event.

"Whilst we absolutely love putting on an event like this for all of Askam - it comes with a cost of sacrifice in our personal lives, giving up time with our families, using excessive amounts of annual leave for preparation, ensuring correct licenses and legislations are in place and followed.

"It’s time we took a break."

This year would have marked the fifth anniversary of its conception though the Covid-19 pandemic prevented it from taking place in 2020 and 2021.

The organisers added: "Our fifth anniversary is something we want to make extra special and not be a half-hearted attempt.

"We know by taking a year off we will be better placed to make the next Askambury the best one yet."

The minds behind the festival are still optimistic that they can provide the people of Askam with a different source of entertainment throughout the year.

"Whilst we know this will be received with a lot of disappointment - all is not lost," they said.

"We are delighted to announce that we have plans for Euro 2024 involving big screens and live entertainment - further details will be announced in due course."

The public was asked to understand the position that the organisers are in, in the hope that this would temper any negative reactions to the cancellation.

They finished by saying: "Please remember that we are a group of volunteers.

"The backlash and abuse - including physical - that some of us have received at the news Askambury is postponed this year is unacceptable."