We have an important update on Mayfest to share with you. 

Over the last few months we’ve been doing some big thinking. And we’ve decided not to deliver a Mayfest programme in 2026.

This year’s festival was a joy, but in the background we were battling with rapidly rising costs, partners facing economic challenges of their own, and a lower than expected box office. Despite our best efforts, we found ourselves stretched much too thinly. 

We haven’t taken this decision lightly. This is a strategic choice, a moment to breathe, rethink, and regroup. We need to find new ways to continue creating the extraordinary experiences you have come to love, but we also urgently need your help.

Much of the vital work we do outside of Mayfest goes unseen—nurturing artists, hosting transformative residencies, and producing innovative new work. These things are just as crucial as stabilising our immediate financial future. That is why we’re launching a drive to raise £30,000. 

In all of our time doing this work we’ve never felt like the world needs joyful and thoughtful experiences of togetherness, beauty, reflection and solidarity more. And yet it's never been harder to make that happen. With your support, we can continue to do this. 

You can read the full blogpost about this decision here.

Thank you for believing in us, for standing by us, and for being part of this incredible journey.