Carlisle is edging closer to hosting the UK's newest country music festival, however, without an increase on current ticket sales, there's a possibility the event may be cancelled. 

Carlisle Country, which was initially planned for May 2021, has been postponed twice and rescheduled for May 13 - 15 this year, as a result of the pandemic. 

Of which, event organiser Nick Westgarth has said the postponement has "done no favours" for the upcoming event. 

"Any event of this scale has a significant financial outlay and risk.

"Advance sales are the barometer of how likely it is that costs will be covered and the event will be able to function. Advance sales are quite literally the lifeblood of any such event," he said. 

All going to plan however, Carlisle's Crown and Mitre hotel will become home to the Nashville sounds of a Country and Americana festival, with all of the hotel rooms available at special discounted festival rates. 

The new festival has gathered an impressive roster of country acts to its line-up including 2021 UK country award-winning names such as Kezia Gill, Morganway and Katee Kross. 

The award-winning artists will be joined by previous award winners such as; Stevie O’Connor; Gasoline & Matches; Robert Vincent; Robbie Cavanagh; Danny McMahon; Raintown and Backwoods Creek.

"It has an outstanding line-up crammed full of UK Award winners all of whom headline in their own right all over the UK. It promises to be a fantastic weekend with top quality acts all playing absolutely live; no tributes, no backing tapes just top class acts.

"However, it's all down to how much people want this kind of thing. They perhaps need to take risk with it, get behind it and support it. There's no reason why Carlisle shouldn't have this kind of event," he said. 

The fully indoor event will focus around one main stage, a purpose-built construction within the hotel's ballroom, meaning that being indoors will help stave off any apprehensions about unpredictable weather in the North West of England. 

 

"One thing for sure is, if people try it once they'll be hooked, a live weekend really is a fantastic experience. On the other hand, if they leave it to the last minute to buy their tickets it could well be too late. 

"Unless advance sales demonstrate the desire of the audience the event simply won't be able to survive. It's that simple," he said. 

Festival go-ers and potential attendees are being reminded that all tickets are protected under a cancellation policy, on the chance the festival doesn't go ahead, refunds will be issued. 

"It would be a shame to lose the Carlisle Country Music Festival before it even gets off the ground as this event could become an significant annual event in Carlisle," he said. 

Tickets can be purchased from the Crown and Mitre hotel or via, www.carlislecountrymusicfestival.co.uk 

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