THE Government has come under fire after Cumbria's biggest music festival was called off.

The sold-out Kendal Calling festival was due to go ahead from July 29 to August 1 at Lowther Deer Park, near Penrith.

However, on Monday Morning, the organisers issued a statement that said despite the event taking place after the Government’s proposed date for lifting Covid-19 restrictions on July 19, a delay in the publication of safety guidance on the running of large-scale events meant aspects of the festival could not be planned.

Jonny Foster is the lead singer of Carlisle-based band Hardwicke Circus, who have performed at the festival in previous years.

He blasted the Government for its neglect of the arts sector throughout the pandemic.

He said: "We're being lead by this tinpot Government not paying any attention to the arts industry, or any due consideration.

"Music festivals are the highlights of a lot of people's summer. Kendal Calling is our home town festival and it's one of the best in the UK. It's always been the front-runner for pushing new talent from all around the country.

"The cancellation is devastating for a lot of people involved. It's been proven through the test runs in Liverpool and at Download Festival that it can be done safely. People were sticking to the rules, it can be done.

"What's factual is just being ignored."

Virginia Taylor, the leader of Eden District Council, also voiced her disappointment.

She said: "It's really disappointing, it would've been great for people to be able to come and have fun. It's a window for the area. Undoubtedly some people will spend some more time up here."

The statement from Kendal Calling read: "Monday also saw a less publicised delay; the release of the long-awaited research from the Event Research Programme (ERP) and with it, crucially, the publication of safety guidance on how we run events.

“Without this safety guidance, there are numerous aspects of the festival we cannot plan, which could lay us wide open to last minute unforeseen regulations or requirements which could scupper an already built festival.

Please believe me when I say that we tried our best. I think we speak for us all when I say – we needed this.”