iMEP Festival Cancelled Lancashire Reason Behind It
The news of the iMEP Festival cancelled Lancashire left music lovers shocked and searching for answers. Fans had expected September to be filled with energy, live music, and excitement, but the cancellation changed the rhythm of Lancashire’s cultural scene. Instead of preparing for one of the county’s biggest weekends, people are now left with disappointment and curiosity about the reasons behind the decision. Just as events like the Light the Knights Festival bring joy and tradition to their communities, iMEP was expected to do the same for Accrington before plans fell apart.
What Type of Festival Is It?
The iMEP Festival was a large scale live music event. It was included pop, dance, and retro performers, ensuring wide appeal. Unlike small local concerts, this festival carried an ambitious lineup and production plan. The event also planned to mix music with a family friendly experience, offering food courts, funfair rides, and chill out zones. The idea was to create a full weekend entertainment package for both young adults and families.
Fans who attended the 2024 edition remember the incredible headliner Jess Glynne, which made the event memorable. That performance built expectations for 2025 and convinced many that Lancashire could host a world class festival. The dream of another spectacular event, however, collapsed with the cancellation news.
Location of the Festival
The iMEP Festival was scheduled at the iMEP Arena, set within Accrington Cricket Club in Lancashire. This venue was chosen because of its open space, accessibility, and ability to handle large crowds. Even though the iMEP Festival cancelled Lancashire stopped the event from taking place, here is the exact location information.
| Venue | Address | Town/City | County |
|---|---|---|---|
| iMEP Arena (Accrington Cricket Club) | Thorneyholme Road, Accrington BB5 5BD | Accrington | Lancashire |
Who Organizes This Festival?
The festival was managed by International Music Event Production (iMEP). This organization specializes in creating large events and wanted to bring something fresh to Lancashire’s music scene. Their first attempt in 2024 received positive reviews, leading them to expand plans for 2025.
iMEP had promised fans a better experience with upgrades, including more toilets with marshals, two extra long fully staffed bars, and improved food stalls. They also added a funfair and a chill out zone to make the festival more interactive. The team behind iMEP aimed to create a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience. However, even with good planning, ticket sales did not meet the expected numbers, forcing them to cancel.
Dates and Times
The 2025 edition of the iMEP Festival was originally scheduled for Friday, September 19, and Saturday, September 20. Gates were planned to open from 4:00 PM each day, with performances continuing until late evening. This timing was chosen to give fans enough time to arrive after work or school on Friday and enjoy a full day of music on Saturday.
The cancellation announcement came on June 27, 2025, well before the event date. The organizers made the difficult choice to call it off early to allow fans to claim refunds and avoid last-minute disappointments. While the cancellation news was tough to hear, making the decision months in advance showed that iMEP cared about transparency.
Where to Buy Tickets?
Tickets for the iMEP Festival were available online online. Fans were encouraged to buy early, with special offers for weekend passes and VIP access. Prices varied depending on seating and access levels.
Since the event was cancelled, all ticket holders are being offered full refunds. Refunds are processed automatically by the ticketing platforms. This is an important step, as it builds trust with fans who may consider attending future iMEP events if they return. The organizers have clearly stated that while the 2025 edition is cancelled, they remain committed to bringing music events back to Lancashire in the future.
Here is a quick table outlining the ticket information for 2025:
| Ticket Type | Price Range | Access Details | Refund Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Day Pass | £45–£55 | General admission for one day | Full refund |
| Weekend Pass | £85–£95 | Entry for both days | Full refund |
| VIP Pass | £120–£150 | Premium seating and fast entry | Full refund |
Why Was the iMEP Festival Cancelled?
The main reason for the cancellation was low ticket sales. Despite strong marketing and an impressive lineup, the demand was not enough to cover production costs. Live music and hospitality sectors have faced ongoing struggles since the pandemic, with many events struggling to reach full attendance.
Lancashire is not alone in this trend. Across the UK, several festivals have been cancelled due to rising costs, inflation, and changing consumer habits. People are spending less on live events because of the cost-of-living crisis. This situation hit iMEP hard, leading to the announcement in late June 2025.
Performers at iMEP Music Festival
The iMEP Festival was set to host a powerful lineup of artists who bring both energy and nostalgia. The plan was to showcase a variety of music styles, from electronic beats to retro pop, making Lancashire a hub of live entertainment for the weekend. Even though the iMEP Festival cancelled Lancashire announcement means these acts will not perform this year, here are the names that were confirmed.
| Artist | Genre/Style |
|---|---|
| Clean Bandit | Electronic Pop |
| Sam Ryder | Pop Rock |
| Marvin Humes | DJ/Dance |
| B*Witched | Pop |
| Chesney Hawkes | Retro Pop |
| Graham Liver | DJ/Local Flavor |
Final Thoughts
The cancellation of the iMEP Festival cancelled Lancashire was disappointing for fans and businesses, but it also showed the challenges that live events face today. The spirit of music in Lancashire remains strong, just as literature lovers gather each year at the Barnes and Noble Book Festival to celebrate words and stories. With lessons learned, there is still hope that iMEP or similar festivals will return in the future with greater success.
