King Charles' Sandringham estate in Norfolk has made a "heartbreaking" and "devastating" last-minute change to the summer schedule.
The monarch's country estate was set to host a major UK festival, Heritage Live, next month, featuring an A-list lineup including Janet Jackson and Lionel Richie. However, the festival organisers sadly announced on Monday that they have been forced to cancel due to limited ticket sales.
"We're devastated to report the heartbreaking news that we have no choice but to cancel this summer's HeritageLive festivals at the Englefield Estate, the Audley End Estate and the Sandringham Estate," a message from Heritage Live, reposted by Sandringham on Instagram, read.
© Instagram"We'd been working desperately hard behind the scenes to conclude an investment and equity package to ease the burden of an extraordinarily tough year, but this last beacon of hope has fallen through at the 11th hour, making it impossible to go ahead."
The statement continued: "As one of the few remaining British independent promoters, it's become almost impossible to compete in what has become an increasingly saturated festival market.
"The might of huge multi-nationals has had the adverse effect of driving up supplier, artist and staffing costs and whilst it's still just about manageable during a normal year, the cost-of-living crisis combined with general financial uncertainty, has resulted in several shows having far lower than average ticket sales, making it impossible to survive in such a competitive industry, with so many rising costs."
The festival said it would be "irresponsible and wrong of us to proceed without the certainty that we'd be able to meet all of our supplier, artist and crew costs," and confirmed ticket refunds would be processed by ticket agents.
"The whole HeritageLive team is absolutely devastated. It would have been the most amazing summer with such an extraordinary array of supreme talent and we're all so very sorry to let everyone down," the festival added, thanking fans for their support over the past decade.
© GettyWhat was the festival?
Heritage Live announced last month that Sandringham would host the festival from 19 to 23 August with a star-studded lineup of artists and comedians for a week of stellar entertainment. Janet Jackson was set to kick off the event, followed by headliners Lionel Richie, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin and Eric Clapton.
Comedians Russell Howard, Josh Widdicombe, Rory Bremner, Tom Allen, Russell Kane and more were all set to perform on another stage. Other highlights included street artists, a medieval village, fairground rides, Village Green pub and children's activities.
Sandringham's vast grounds
Given the gorgeous scenery, it's no surprise that the Norfolk estate has become a beloved country retreat for the royal family to escape London over the holidays and Christmastime celebrations.
Charles' country estate spans an impressive 20,000 acres with sprawling gardens and extensive public parklands.
The scenic Royal Parkland is open to the public year-round with access to walking trails and a Children's Play Area. Along with Charles' private residence, the estate features 60 acres of incredible gardens and boasts a lake. Charles added a stunning Topiary Garden to the grounds, which is a space that's open to visitors.
