The village of Pitney in Somerset faces deep disappointment as the beloved Pitfest community festival has been forced to cancel its second and main day just days before the event. While festivities will still take place on Friday, July 3, the entire schedule for Saturday, July 4 has been scrapped due to a last-minute licensing oversight.
Organisers had applied for a temporary event notice (TEN) classifying Pitfest solely as a ‘live music event’, but failed to properly declare all licensable activities. Specifically, they only indicated alcohol sales and did not disclose the presence of food vendors and live music, which require separate permissions under local regulations.
Somerset Council expressed sympathy with the organisers’ predicament but confirmed they could not legally approve the full event. Without the correct licences, proceeding would violate the law and leave the event uninsured. Attempts to rectify the error at the last minute were unsuccessful because statutory consultation processes demand several days, making any timely approval impossible.
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In a heartfelt statement published on the festival’s website and social media channels, organisers said: “It is with broken hearts and deepest regret that we must cancel Pitfest on Saturday, July 4. Despite every effort to resolve the issue with the council, we have been unable to reach a solution. Friday’s events will still go ahead as planned — this cancellation only affects Saturday.
“We apologise sincerely to all who were looking forward to Saturday’s programming. Pitfest means so much to our community, and this was not a decision taken lightly. We thank everyone who has supported the festival over the years and remain committed to returning next year.”
Pitney is a small village tucked between Langport and Somerton, home to fewer than 500 residents. This year’s festival was set to mark Pitfest’s 15th anniversary with a roster of local musicians, food trucks, and family activities. Among those disappointed is Taunton band We Are - Not Like The Others, scheduled to headline Saturday night. They offered condolences on social media, expressing confidence the festival would bounce back stronger than ever.
Andy Doyle from Somerset Council stated: “We share the disappointment and were keen to help ensure the event could proceed in some form. Unfortunately, the licensing oversight meant that a new temporary event notice could not be processed in time, as statutory consultees like emergency services need several days to review.
“The council has no legal power to waive licensing requirements or authorise unlicensed activities. We did, however, guide organisers on unregulated entertainment options so they could salvage as much of the festival as possible.”
Friday’s program will proceed with a ticketed ‘cabaret special’ featuring live entertainment in a marquee with table seating and a relaxed festival atmosphere.
Despite the setback, the festival community remains resilient, already looking ahead to a fully compliant and vibrant Pitfest next year.