Flat Lake festival cancelled

This year's Flat Lake arts festival has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond the control of organisers, it has emerged. The cancellation of the popular arts festival based in Scotshouse, County Monaghan, scheduled for the June bank holiday was announced on the website. This year's festival headliners were expected to include film director Neil Jordan (the crying Game) and musicians Glen Hansard (The Frames) and Donal Lunny (ex-Planxty). The Flat Lake statement read: "We're sad to announce that due to circumstances beyond our control, this years festival will not be taking place. In the meantime, we'd like to thank those of you who've already bought tickets. You will be fully refunded and all on-line purchasers will be contacted accordingly asap." On Tuesday, the website advised that a full statement would follow but as of Wednesday, 5pm there was no further information. The event is organised by novelist Pat McCabe and Kevin Allen, at the latter's stunning Hilton Park estate. It is understood the pair have been busy in recent months making a new, locally based film 'The Ballad of Honky McSwaine'. Traditionally the Flat Lake boasts a strong contingent of Cavan artists on its bill, and attracts a large Breffni crowd.