The UK’s longest-running independent music festival, which has been based in Buckinghamshire for four years, will come to an end this year after a staggering six-decade run.

Towersey Festival was founded in its eponymous Oxfordshire village by Denis Manners MBE in 1965, making it five years older than Glastonbury.

Under his grandchildren, co-directors Mary Hodson and Joe Heap, the festival was moved to Thame in 2015 and then to the Claydon Estate in Buckingham in 2020.

However, organisers have announced that the event, which champions roots and folk music, will be held for the last time this year after “economic challenges” caused by the COVID-19 pandemic among the reasons for the family festival “bowing out” after six decades.

Sharing the news on Towersey Festival’s official Instagram page, they wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we have made the decision that the Towersey Festival 2024 will be our last.

“We believe festivals like Towersey are crucial for creating better communities and societies and for finding hope and humanity in an otherwise challenging world. Our thoughts go out to the other 35+ festivals who have already cancelled this year along with our hopes that we can collectively find a way to come back stronger one day.

READ MORE: Has Pub in the Park Marlow ‘outgrown’ Higginson Park?

“After 60 incredible years, we’re closing this chapter with the ultimate celebration.

“Your support has meant the world to us, and we want to make this last festival truly unforgettable. Let’s come together to celebrate music, dance, friendship, and memories one last time.”

The 60th anniversary of the four-day festival will begin on August 23. The ticket cost for one adult for the whole weekend is £224.72, with Billy Bragg and The Staves headlining the final hurrah.

As well as enjoying music and comedy, revellers can take part in workshops in everything from medieval dancing to axe-throwing and lantern-making.