Soundwave, Modefest and Redcar Live festivals cancelled

Soundwave Festival in Seaton Carew, Redcar Live on Redcar beach and Modefest in Redcar ran by promoters Block Rockin Events will not go ahead in 2026 after all three ran at a loss for the past two to three years.

In a statement posted on the Redcar Live Facebook page, the organisers said continuing was “no longer sustainable” despite strong audiences and high profile line-ups.

Soundwave Festival ran for three years in Seaton Carew and hosted artists including Kaiser Chiefs, Bastille, Eternal and B*Witched.

Redcar Live took place across two years on Redcar beach with acts such as The Libertines, Ocean Colour Scene and The K’s. Modefest ran for two years in Redcar. All three failed to break even.

The promoters blamed sharply rising costs across the live events industry including artist fees, staging, production, security, power, staffing and infrastructure, saying these increases had become impossible for independent local organisers to absorb.

Unlike national promoters, they said they do not have access to large financial backing or discounted touring artists.

“For us, this decision goes far beyond numbers on a spreadsheet,” the statement said.

“We are absolutely gutted to be making this announcement. We’re local people, and from day one our aim has always been to bring exciting, high-quality events to our own communities. These festivals were built with love, passion and a genuine belief that towns like Seaton Carew and Redcar deserve big moments and big artists.

“But after running at a loss for several years, we’ve had to face the reality that we can’t keep going like this. Rising costs across every part of the industry have caught up with us, and as much as it hurts, it’s time to accept defeat for now and move on.

“This isn’t the end of the road – it’s a pause. We need to step back, protect the future of what we do, and work out how we can come back stronger and more sustainable in the long term.”

Block Rockin Events said it will now pause the majority of its outdoor events while it reassesses and rebuilds, with a focus on long-term financial viability.

The statement ended with thanks to artists, crews, suppliers, local authorities, partners and audiences who supported the festivals, adding that further updates would be shared when the time is right.

The promoters said they remain proud of what they achieved and grateful for the support they received.