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Houghton 2019: Second UK music festival cancelled in two days amid extreme weather

‘We are utterly devastated,’ said the festival organisers

Ellie Harrison
Thursday 08 August 2019 11:11 BST
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The illuminated trees above the lakeside Pavilion stage at Houghton
The illuminated trees above the lakeside Pavilion stage at Houghton (Carolina Faruolo)

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Houghton Festival has become the second in the UK to be cancelled in the space of two days amid extreme weather conditions.

Following weather warnings issued by the Met Office of 60 MPH winds, thunderstorms and heavy rains in Norfolk, the dance music festival’s third edition has been called off just hours before it was due to begin.

Houghton organisers announced the cancellation today in a statement on Facebook: “Tragically, following this morning’s reports and further consultation with authorities, health and safety and all the festival directors, the decision has been made to cancel Houghton 2019.

“We are utterly devastated. All the hard work, love and creativity that has gone into planning and producing this year’s event made this an almost impossible decision to make.”

Houghton 2019 was scheduled to run from 8-12 August at Houghton Hall in Norfolk and featured a line-up including Four Tet, Ben UFO, Hunee and many more.

It is the second British music festival to be cancelled in the past two days, with Boardmasters in Cornwall also being called off after severe weather warnings.

Further information about Houghton refunds will be coming soon.

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