“HEARTBROKEN” organisers of a new music festival in the Ribble Valley have called off the event less than three weeks before it was due to start.

Organisers of Summer Days said rising costs and ‘logistical obstacles’ had forced them to cancel the three-day event which would have seen the likes of Simply Red and Jools Holland play in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle.

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In a statement, a spokesman for the festival said: “After serious consideration we are heartbroken to announce that Summer Days festival 2016 will not take place.

“We have looked at every angle possible to keep the event alive but due to a combination of factors including rising cost and newly-arisen logistical obstacles we have no choice but to call Summer Days off.

“All ticket holders will, of course, receive a face value refund and should contact their ticket vendors directly.

“Support for Summer Days has been both incredible and humbling and makes this decision all the harder. You have our heartfelt apologies. Thank you again for all your support.”

The boutique festival was due be held on Wednesday, July 6, Friday, July 8, and Saturday, July 9 and had been expected to attract up to 10,000 people each day.

Cllr Stuart Hurst, leader of Ribble Valley Council, said: “Obviously I am extremely disappointed for everyone who bought a ticket and planned to go.

“It was a commercial decision and the council didn’t have a say in it.

“The calendar of events in the Ribble Valley will still continue and I hope the Summer Days Festival can return in the future under better circumstances.“We would expect nothing less than all ticket holders to get a full refund.

Around 30 acts had been lined up to perform at Summer Days including Echo and the Bunnymen, Caro Emerald and Everything, Everything. A number of local bands were also due to take part including New York Tourists and Good Foxy.

Cllr Mary Robinson, leader of Clitheroe Town Council, said: “I can’t believe it, I am in utter shock about this.”

“There were issues with the festival such as parking, but they were things that could have been helped.

“It’s a terrible shame and there will be a lot of disappointed people.”

Nigel Haworth of Michelin-starred Northcote, who was due to oversee the festival’s locally-sourced gourmet food village, said: “I am very disappointed to hear this news. It would have been brilliant to see this cultural event take place in Clitheroe. It would have been great for the town and the region.

“I am genuinely sorry for all those involved who have tried so hard to establish this event.”