A FESTIVAL due to take place in Somerset this weekend has been cancelled.

The Big Green Gathering 2009, due to take place at Fernhill Farm, in the Mendip area from July 29 to August 2, will not take place after the organisers of the festival surrendered their licence to Mendip District Council yesterday.

A police spokesman said: “We worked with the event organisers as well as our multi agent partners, and subsequently went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure this event took place.

“However to due a number of issues including road and fire safety that could not be resolved the event organisers surrendered their licence.

“Police would now like to advise any persons planning on travelling to the area for this event not to, they will be turned away.”

The event organisers said: “Following threatened injunction proceedings in the High Court by Mendip District Council, supported by Avon and Somerset Police, and having taken extensive legal advice from a prominent QC and other eminent lawyers, the directors of the Big Green Gathering have been left with no option other than to voluntarily surrender the licence for the Big Green Gathering 2009.

“The event will now not take place and the directors advise and request that no one who was intending to attend the event should attempt to do so as the site is now closed and it is likely that they will be turned away by the police.

“It is our intention to avoid any confrontation or public disorder in regards to this and it is our earnest hope that all of those involved will follow this advice. It is with great sadness that we have been forced into this position and we express our profound apologies to all concerned.”