North Cornwall Music Festival, Porthilly Spirit Gets Cancelled

Lack of a license led organisers to pull the plug on this year's event.

A woman is doing a yoga pose in the grass.

A brand new music festival with a major line up including Tom Odell and Gilles Peterson has not been able to secure a license to go ahead this year. The news of the Porthilly Spirit festival cancellation will come as a massive blow to those who have already purchased tickets and made plans to attend.


From the organiser's social media page

We are very shocked and sad to share the news that we have not been granted the license to put the festival on. Despite months of work with the local authorities (including approval from every single statutory authority) the license was denied last night.

However, we aren’t giving up and are exploring options for the event to go ahead, perhaps with some small changes. We will reach a final decision on Monday 13th May.

In the event of the festival being cancelled, our ticket platform, Ticket Sellers, will be in touch with every ticket purchaser within 24 hours to confirm bank details. On making contact, they will process the refund immediately and it will take 5-7 days to arrive. Ticket Sellers policy is to refund the face value of the ticket but we, the festival, will refund the booking fee so no one is out of pocket.

If you have any questions please get in touch hello@porthillyspirit.com.

We are passionate and committed to bringing you the very best weekend and thank you for your support and patience.

The little south logo is on a blue background.

Written by

Editorial Team • 13 May 2019
by Editorial Team 22 May 2026
Technosis Independence brings non-stop hard techno to Sawan Nightclub, Plymouth on July 4th, 2026. Catch Cliff, House Of 9, Jord Garlick, Ness, Tommie Quick & Vyktoria.
by Editorial Team 19 May 2026
INCEPTION boat party returns to Falmouth on 20 June 2026. Enjoy progressive house on the Princessa, plus afterparty entry at GRAPES. Boarding 6pm.
by Editorial Team 15 May 2026
MODIR blends deep, minimal, and tech house. Rooted in Cornwall's free party culture, this Liverpool-born DJ creates rhythmic podcast mixes with deep basslines.
by Editorial Team 11 May 2026
Boardmasters 2026: Lily Allen, Fatboy Slim & Kasabian headline Newquay’s surf & music festival this August. Check stage splits for Dizzee Rascal, Nia Archives & more!
by Editorial Team 3 May 2026
Lee Drift is a Cornwall-based House DJ & producer with a 32-year legacy. Signed to Flashmob Records, this episode blends soul, funk & vocal grooves into a pure House sound.
Two DJs in blue lighting at a club, with the title “Room Control In Falmouth” and a South logo.
by Editorial Team 21 April 2026
Room Control returns to Five Below after 8 years! Join Bobby James B2B Tippo for the best in House, Tech-House, and Techno. 10PM-2AM. Don't miss the comeback.
Show More