Shrewsbury Fields Forever: Director of event saddened at festival's demise

Dene Edwards said the festival, which in past years has attracted acts such as Tinie Tempah, Maximo Park and Athlete, had contributed hugely to the local economy and had helped support local businesses.

He praised festival-goers, performers, volunteers and sponsors who had supported the event since its launch in 2011.

It comes after Mr Edwards' company Forever Invasion Ltd, which ran the festival, applied for liquidation. It is believed to owe hundreds of creditors money.

Shrewsbury Fields Forever was initially due to be held in July in the Quarry. But it was postponed and was rescheduled for September.

Forever Invasion Ltd was also responsible for Shrewsbury International Comic Art Festival, which was held as planned in July. The future of that event is unknown.

In a statement on the music festival's website, Mr Edwards said: "Many years of hard work have gone into delivering and developing a contemporary and vibrant festival, on an almost annual basis, since the initial event in 2011 not just in respect of the organisers but also from the various volunteers and sponsors without which the events would not have been possible.

"I have taken great pride in offering the best value wherever possible, and the event has been nominated for and won numerous awards including four mayor awards for the events outstanding contribution to Shrewsbury.

"I would just like to reiterate my personal sadness that events have transpired in this way.

"At the same time I would like to thank the many thousands of festival goers, performers, volunteers and sponsors over the years that have contributed to the successful festivals which have invariably been enjoyed by all that have attended and at the same time benefited local businesses and the local economy generally."