Stendhal Festival, the independent music and arts event held near Limavady, County Londonderry, faces an uncertain future after visitor numbers fell for the first time in 2025 and rising costs left it with significant debt, its director has said.

Ross Parkhill, who co-founded the festival with John Cartwright, told BBC Radio Foyle that equipment hire costs had surged from £40,000 in 2018 to more than £100,000 this year for a similar amount of gear, while wages and fuel prices also increased. He said the event had accumulated almost six figures of debt and that without changes it could not continue.

Parkhill said the festival, now in its 16th year, might need to scale back its ambitions and remodel its format to survive. He called for greater investment in arts and culture, arguing it benefits mental health and could reduce pressure on the NHS.

Despite the challenges, the festival opened on Thursday at Ballymully Cottage Farm in the Roe Valley, running until Saturday. The site offers multiple stages, art installations, workshops, and dedicated camping areas including an eco-friendly zone.

This year’s lineup includes D:Ream singer Peter Cunnah, Britpop band Cast, DJ Mark McCabe, Irish folk group Kíla, and others.

Among the local acts making their debut is Derry band Growing Pains, with members aged 15 to 17, who are performing on the Woolly Woodland Stage. Stage curator Diane Greer said the festival provides a platform for emerging talent from the north west.

BBC Northern Ireland is broadcasting live from the festival across several radio programmes.