Organisers of the Timber Festival in Moira have announced it will not be returning - and that last year's event was the final one.

Rising production costs, plus the cost of living crisis, mean the team behind the festival - Cheshire-based Wild Rumpus - do feel it is financially viable.

Timber has been held on the site at Feanedock since 2018, and has proved popular with visitors due to its wide range of attractions.

The event combined music, art, literature and crafts over a three-day period, with people encouraged to camp out from Friday to Sunday.

Timber was produced in partnership with the National Forest Company.

Its purpose was to promote sustainable practices, highlight the benefits of trees and encourage people to rethink their relationship with forests.

But today (Tuesday) Wild Rumpus has sent an email out to explain the situation.

It reads: "As nature reminds us that summer is well and truly over and autumn is knocking with its cosy embrace, we reflect on the beautiful memories of our time together at Timber Festival 2024 made possible by you, our wonderful Timber folk.

"Thank you for bringing your whole selves to what was a restorative weekend among the trees, for diving in with creativity and a hopeful energy that's hard to put into words.

"As the seasons change, we want to share with you an update about the festival. 

"We have decided that Timber 2024 was the final chapter of this beautiful project – as nature evolves, so must we.

"We are closing this chapter with our hearts, knowing that the seeds sown at Timber will grow into new projects and opportunities through the vibrant ecosystem of artists, creators and organisations that have made Timber the wondrous project it has been.

"Rising production costs, coupled with the cost of living crisis, have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the festival financially in the long term. 

"Thank you Timber folk, we are forever grateful for making our glorious festival the hopeful, creative, playful and at times ridiculously joyful place it has been."

Louise Driver, director of operations at the National Forest, said: "We can confirm that Timber Festival 2024 marked the final chapter of this extraordinary journey, but we remain immensely proud of the unforgettable memories, vibrant community, and creative spirit it has fostered in the National Forest, thanks to the incredible partnership between Wild Rumpus and ourselves. 

"Rising production costs and ongoing economic challenges have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the festival long term. However, we know that the seeds sown at Timber will continue to inspire future projects within the National Forest. 

"We would like to extend our deepest thanks to the Timberfolk for their energy and joy, and a heartfelt appreciation to Wild Rumpus for their vision and dedication in making Timber the extraordinary event it has been. We look forward to staying connected with our community and embracing the new opportunities ahead."