Renamed festival canned

Echo Festival, formerly the McLaren Valley Music and Arts Festival, has been canceled due to slow ticket sales.

The two day festival was due to take place at Auckland's Vector Arena and surrounds on January 11 and 12 with a line-up featuring major international acts including Disclosure, The Flaming Lips, Jamie xx, Courtney Barnett, Mac DeMarco, Alison Wonderland and Kurt Vile.

Echo Festival replaced McLaren Valley Music and Arts Festival which was scheduled to take place at McLaren Falls Park, Bay of Plenty. The move to Auckland was made after negotiations with residents in the area failed to resolve a number of outstanding concerns, organisers said.

Festival director Paxton Talbot said the cancellation has come after much consideration of all options.

"Despite this world class line-up of artists, and a strong promotional campaign and apparent public support, the event simply hasn't had sufficient ticket sales to date to make the festival viable, we have today made the hugely difficult decision to cancel the event. It would not be fair on the bands, the suppliers or the audience if we were to continue pursuing the project."

Mr Talbot thanked the many people who have worked behind the scenes, a tireless staff of professionals, volunteers and sheer music and festival lovers, in an effort to make the festival a success both in the Bay of Plenty and in Auckland.