'Intimate event' planned by Livestock Festival organisers

Although the larger event has been cancelled this year, a smaller-scale version will now be taking place instead

Livestock organisers did not want to let July pass without some outdoor live music at Forty Hall Farm (credit Livestock Events CIC)

All is not lost for local music fans who had been looking forward to this year’s Livestock Festival.

After announcing that the Forty Hall Farm event would take a fallow year in 2026, organisers Livestock Events CIC have revealed plans for a new, smaller-scale live music showcase this month.

Taking place on Saturday, 18th July, ‘Still Not The Livestock Festival’ will bring together local bands, vinyl DJs, food, drink and the community spirit that has been at the heart of Livestock events for more than a decade.

The announcement follows the difficult decision earlier this year to pause the full Livestock Festival. Organisers cited a combination of economic pressures, increasing operational complexity and the challenges faced by volunteer-led community events across the country. There remains hope that Livestock Festival will return in 2027, however.

For this year, the team have worked behind the scenes to create a “more intimate event” that “remains true to the ethos” that has made Livestock such a popular fixture in Enfield’s cultural calendar.

Paul Dengel, director of Livestock Events CIC, said: “While we were disappointed that it wasn’t possible to deliver the full Livestock Festival this year, we never wanted July to pass without doing something for the community that has supported us for so many years.

“Livestock has always been about bringing people together through live music, supporting local artists and creating memorable experiences in a unique setting. We realised that although a full-scale festival wasn’t realistic in 2026, we could still create something special on a smaller scale.

“Still Not The Livestock Festival is exactly that – a chance to spend a summer afternoon and evening with great bands, good food, local drinks and friends at Forty Hall Farm. It won’t be the festival, but it will absolutely capture the spirit that people associate with Livestock.”

The event will take place in and around the Long Barn at Forty Hall Farm and will feature a programme of live music throughout the day and evening.

The first acts announced include local favourites The Gregory Gang, long-established punk-pop outfit Daddy Those Men Scare Me and Livestock regulars The Vipers, who will headline the event. Between live performances, North London’s vinyl specialists The Vinyleers will provide a soundtrack spanning soul, funk, ska, reggae, punk, Britpop and classic pop.

Further acts and event details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Since its beginnings as a small community event, Livestock has grown into one of North London’s best-known independent music festivals, supporting hundreds of artists and raising awareness and funding for local causes.

For more information and to buy tickets:
Visit livestockuk.com

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