But it will return in 2026 and for now continues to develop radio and grassroots gigs.
The annual Americana festival hosted by Black Deer has announced that it’s taking a year off in 2025. In a press release the details off which are below, the organisers spell out the difficult decision as well as the sense of optimism going forward. The release reads as follows:
“To our Black Deer Festival community, thank you for patiently waiting for news regarding Black Deer Festival 2025. We have been busy behind the scenes reflecting on the past seven years and having some difficult conversations as we look to the future. And it is with a heavy heart that we announce that after seven wonderful years, the 2025 edition is postponed so we can prepare for our return as a Festival in 2026. Pressure on independent festivals in the current climate has proved a huge challenge over the past two years and as such, we have come to this difficult decision. We have done everything we can and explored all avenues to try and make this work, but right now it is simply not feasible. Black Deer Radio and Black Deer Live are alive and well. We’d love you to tune in, and to see you at the many gigs taking place around the country, as we continue to celebrate all things Americana together. Please follow us for future news as we look to the future. Together, we’ll keep the spirit of Americana alive. Once again, a heartfelt thank you.”
Black Deer Radio has exceeded management expectations in terms of listeners since coming on line earlier in the year and the flagship Saturday morning show with Neil Fox is proving very popular paving the way for future developments in the new year. The large number of grassroots gigs already announced for 2025 on their Black Deer Live website indicates that this may well be a strategic decision to consolidate the brand before returning to Eridge Park in 2026. Fingers crossed!
Here’s a look at what we’re missing next year but hopefully what we’re going to get in 2026.
