Pitfest was due to take place last weekend in Pitney, Somerset
Residents of a small Somerset village have been left devastated after their beloved annual festival was forced to cancel its main day following an administrative blunder discovered just days before the event.
Pitfest, which was set to take place on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 in Pitney, saw its entire second day scrapped after a licensing issue emerged at the eleventh hour.
Organisers announced the news on Wednesday evening, saying: "It is with broken hearts and the deepest regret that we have to announce that, due to a last-minute incident, we are unable to proceed with Pitfest on Saturday July 4, 2026."
The statement added: "We sincerely apologise for this disappointment and know that many of you will be feeling as saddened and frustrated as we are. Pitfest means so much to our community, and this decision has not been taken lightly."
The error stemmed from the temporary event notice submitted by festival organisers. While the application described Pitfest as a "live music event", the form's question about licensable activities was answered incompletely.
Organisers had only indicated they would be selling alcohol, failing to mention that food vendors and musical performances would also feature at the event.
This omission meant the Saturday programme could not legally proceed and would have left the festival without insurance cover.
Somerset Council confirmed there was insufficient time to rectify the situation, as submitting a fresh notice requires several days for statutory consultees including emergency services to review the application.
The council stated that proceeding with the originally planned activities "would not be legal and therefore be uninsured", leaving organisers with no option but to abandon the Saturday festivities entirely.
Andy Doyle, speaking for Somerset Council, expressed sympathy while explaining the authority's hands were tied by legislation.
"We share the disappointment of the organisers we understand this is a much-loved community event and were keen to find ways to ensure it could go ahead in some form," he said.
He acknowledged the council was approached for guidance regarding regulated entertainment and late-night refreshment that fell outside the scope of the submitted temporary event notices.
Mr Doyle continued: "We fully understand the strength of feeling around this, but the council has no legal power to waive these requirements, approve licensable activities that are not covered by the notice or give any form of authorisation that would allow the event to go ahead as originally planned."
The council did attempt to assist by advising organisers on which entertainment categories remain unregulated and could therefore still take place without additional licensing.
Pitney, a village of fewer than 500 people situated between Langport and Somerton, was marking the 15th edition of its community celebration this year.
The festival has built a reputation for showcasing local musicians, food trucks from the area, and activities suitable for families.
Taunton-based band We Are - Not Like The Others, who had been booked to headline Saturday evening's entertainment at the village playing fields, responded to the cancellation on Facebook.
"Such sad news, our thoughts are with all involved, we know they will bounce back better than ever!" the group posted.
Friday's programme went ahead as scheduled, featuring a ticketed cabaret evening held in a marquee offering table seating and live entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere.
Organisers pledged to return next year, stating: "We remain committed to bringing Pitfest back and promise to welcome you all again next year to the village playing field."
