Linlithgow’s Party at the Palace and its Perth sister event, Party at The Park, have been cancelled for the second year in a row.

The Linlithgow event, which should have been celebrating its eighth anniversary, was due to take place on August 6-8, with the Manic Street Preachers and Del Amitri headlining.

The Perth version – which is yet to make its debut, having now been postponed twice – was due to take place a couple of weeks later, on the weekend of August 21st, with Kaiser Chiefs among the main acts, with both events also incorporating a mini comedy festival on the Friday night with acts such as Bill Bailey and Dara O’Briain lined up to appear.

Organisers of the annual festivals, both of which were planned as three day events, have hit out at government both in Scotland and the UK, pointing at a lack of communication and guidance as well as the lack of an insurance policy to enable the longer-term planning required for such events.

A disparity between Scotland and England is also mentioned, with organisers citing the Goodwood Festival of Speed test event – which saw 50,000 people congregate for four consecutive days – as a possible cause of a “drain” of events talent towards the south.

Announcing the cancellation, organisers said: “It is with huge disappointment and frustration that we have to announce the cancellation of Party at The Palace this year. We want to be completely open as to why we arrived at this decision.

“Only three weeks ago we were encouraged by Event Scotland and the Scottish Government to continue planning the event.”

“However, the lack of a UK Government backed insurance policy has resulted in us having to now take this decision. The insurance policy was essential and although it was recommended by a cross party group, it did not materialise.

“In addition, our local authority’s interpretation of current government advice was that we would have to offer 7,500 customers table service for the bar. This interpretation was not shared by ourselves, Event Scotland, Scottish Government or other local authorities.”

Tickets for both events will be valid for rescheduled versions next year, with refunds available at the point of sale.