Despite having secured a number of headline names for the three-day boutique festival, which was due to run at Ballymully cottages this weekend, the organisers were forced to pull the plug last week as it emerged interest in Stendhal was lagging behind their hopes and expectations.
In a joint statement the trio of local organisers, John Cartwright, Tim Ferris and Ross Parkhill, acknowledged massive disappointment at the forced cancellation but demonstrated a determination to bounce back and get the gig up and running next year.
"It is with heavy hearts that we must inform you that due to poor ticket sales, we have been forced into making a decision we have tried to hold off making for as long as possible. Unfortunately the decision has been made to pull the Stendhal Festival for 2008," they stated.
"It simply was not feasible to continue with the venture this time as ticket sales were abysmal. It would not be right to press ahead in the hopes that we could shift a load last minute, it would not be fair to our artists, the people who did buy tickets, or ourselves.
"We would like to thank those who did get behind us, the bands, those who purchased tickets, the press for giving us coverage, everyone that helped us out in anyway from canvassing, to making us flower bouquets, to designing our posters and signs, and setting up the venue, and the host of other things people did for us, you know who you are, and you know we are grateful. Your efforts, kindness and support make us more determined to get this off the ground next year," they added.
It will be of little consolation to organisers but Stendahl is not the only festival to have fallen foul of slow sales this summer. Just last weekend the Dysart Festival at Dysart Castle in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, was pulled due to a poor showing at the box office, whilst those behind Belfast's Tennent's Vital said they were unable to secure the necessary talent to go ahead this year.
Notwithstanding the failure of this year's Stendhal the organisers were defiant: "Don't really know what else to say folks, we're absolutely gutted. Thanks for your time, and keep an ear out, we'll be back."