Artists still without payment after Country music event cancelled due to low ticket sales

Performers who were booked for the cancelled 'Country On The Eye' music festival in Melton say they still haven't been paid their agreed fees and travel expenses by organisers despite signed contracts in place.

The festival, organised by Melton Mowbray Town Estate (MMTE), had been scheduled for 12th and 13th June 2026 at Play Close Park in Melton Mowbray.

However, artists say they were informed by a third party Talent Co-Ordinator on 14th May that the event would not go ahead because of low ticket sales but have yet to be paid more than two months later despite contracts in place and claim they are being ignored by the Town Estate.

Several performers had signed contracts with the organisers setting out performance dates, agreed fees and cancellation terms. Onesigned agreement seen by NEMM says that artists will be given a performance fee and includes a clause stating that if the organiser cancels the event with less than 90 days' notice, the performer is entitled to be paid their agreed fee, except in limited circumstances such as force majeure which doesn't include low ticket sales.

The group of musicians tried numerous times to get in touch with MMTE to resolve the issue but to no avail.

The event was cancelled due to low ticket sales. Photo: Country On The Eye

They then took to social media to share their frustration. The issue has raised questions about the financial risks faced by independent musicians, many of whom commit months in advance to festivals and events.

Grammy nominated musician Victoria Banks who was due to perform at the event said she was left disappointed after the oganisers stopped replying to their emails.

She told NEMM: "To cancel a festival at the last minute and completely ghost the artists involved is unprofessional. But to ignore signed contracts, refuse to communicate, and to leave independent artists entirely out of pocket for international flights and travel expenses is unconscionable and a clear breach of our legal agreement.”

NEMM contacted Melton Mowbray Town Estate about the unpaid fees and they confirmed that they were aware of the situation.

CEO of Melton Mowbray Town Estate Dean Rees said: "We are aware of the situation regarding the artist payments for Country on the Eye. The delay has been due to temporary cash flow issues, but following the success of recent events, the Town Estate is now in a position to resolve this.

We are currently contacting the performers directly to clarify payment timelines and ensure all outstanding fees are settled."

It's understood that MMTE has today (Thursday) been in contact with the artists involved.