Buckinghamshire's Above Below Festival pauses indefinitely: “It’s been a privilege”

Boutique UK festival Above Below has paused indefinitely.

The Chiltern Hills-based festival, which began in 2021 with a capacity of just 400, revealed last year that it was taking a “breather” for 2025, writing in an Instagram post: “Behind the scenes, we’ve been working through what’s possible.”

The festival returned to the platform yesterday to reveal that its hiatus has now been extended, explaining: “Whether there will be another edition remains to be seen.”

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“After our break in 2025, we have decided that 2026 is not the right time for Above Below to return,” they explained. “For now, we are focusing on all the warm memories we’ve shared.”

While Above Below didn’t give a reason for its indefinite pause, the team behind the festival previously called its production a “labour of love”, one that is conducted by a small group of friends.

Speaking to Mixmag a year after it was inaugurated, the festival’s co-founder, Brandon, explained: “The crew are incredible – we volunteer our time alongside normal jobs or education based all around the UK to plan and put on the festival.”

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Above Below celebrated four editions before its hiatus, running from 2021 until 2024. “It has been a privilege to host you in the valley,” the team said. “Thank you for your patience and support.”

Alongside the announcement of its pause, the Above Below team encouraged its regulars to “go out and celebrate the many incredible grassroots events happening this summer.”

Read their full statement below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on X