The organisers previously confirmed that Queen featuring Adam Lambert would exclusively headline the second day of the event and acts such as Evanescence and Incubus had been booked for their only UK festival appearances of 2012.

The statement regarding the cancellation of the event read:

"It is with very heavy hearts and much regret that we announce the cancellation of Sonisphere Knebworth 2012.

"Putting the festival together in what is proving to be a very challenging year was more difficult ...