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 26 July 2025
DJ Hayley Blue has recently garnered attention for her noteworthy performances with Sonar events and has some exciting upcoming residencies. In her mission to spread joy and encourage movement, Hayley aims to create an atmosphere where attendees can enjoy an inclusive musical experience.
by Editorial Team 22 July 2025
On October 3rd, 2025, Move nightclub, located in the heart of Exeter, will host an important event featuring renowned trance DJs Aly & Fila. Additionally, Smoking Jo will lead the house music lineup in the Bomba room upstairs.
by Editorial Team 22 July 2025
On August 9th, 2025, INCEPTION, a local collaboration dedicated to dance music events, will host a unique three-hour experience featuring progressive house and melodic techno aboard the Princessa Party Boat in Falmouth. The event will showcase a line up of talented DJs, including Nathaniel Sim and Luko
by Editorial Team 19 July 2025
Pat McGrath delivers a summer techno instalment and does not disappoint! His mix represents his current love of the genre. Pat McGrath is a familiar DJ name to South West festivals - he explains how he was lucky to DJ at the 2024 Masked Ball all-nighter and how he has some summer events planned.
by Editorial Team 4 July 2025
Boardmasters, the Cornwall Surf and Music Festival is set to return to Watergate Bay in Newquay, featuring an impressive lineup that includes Raye, Myles Smith, The Prodigy, Central Cee, Wet Leg, and more.
by Editorial Team 30 June 2025
Released on June 25, 2001, Basement Jaxx's 'Rooty' showcases the versatile nature of house music through a dynamic blend of various musical styles supported by strong pop hooks and meticulous production. This second album solidified Basement Jaxx's position in the pop music scene while promoting UK house music.
Show More