Boardmasters, the annual three-day festival in Britain, has been cancelled as severe storms are expected this week.
The festival was supposed to take place from August 7 to 9 with 50,000 attendees in Newquay – a town southwest of London – on the cliff top at Watergate Bay. It was set to feature headlining acts like Wu Tang Clan, Florence and The Machine, and Foals. However, organizers called off the event late Tuesday night after consulting with emergency services and weather forecasters. Heavy rain is supposed to plague the coast on Friday and Saturday, bringing in high winds.
“The safety of you, the fans and attendees, as well as performers and crew comes first, and the potential risk is too severe for the event to go ahead at this time,” organizers said in a statement.
“We sincerely regret the disappointment to fans, and apologise for any disruption caused to local businesses, performers and crew who were looking forward to Boardmasters as much as we were.”
Organizers noted that anyone who purchased tickets through the Boardmasters’ website and official ticket sellers will receive a full refund for the face value of their ticket and will explain more information about how to claim refunds on their social media channels. All other ticketholders should reach out to receive refunds through their point of purchase.
Fans were gutted with the decision, as many have already traveled to the surrounding area ahead of the festival and made travel arrangements.
@boardmasters to make this dramatic decision so soon on, based on an early forecast I believe is a huge mistake on your part. So many people traveled far and wide and booked time off work. This could go down as the day Boardmasters as a festival and venue is over ?
— MalcyHD (@MalcyHD) August 6, 2019
the fact 5 of us left at 8 o’clock this morning, and spent 13 hours on various coaches costing over 250 between us to find out 2 hours after we arrive that its cancelled
— jamie hudson (@jamiehu29739142) August 6, 2019
Are you possibly aware of the amount of money lost on transport, days off work, festival supplies, camping equipment, campsite deposits, holiday clothes. And don’t even get me started on the disappointment of missing out on our favourite artists and the effort spent organising.
— ⚫️⚪️ Tim ?? (@Tim_Richards92) August 6, 2019
That’s what happens when you put a venue on the edge of a fuckin cliff ? pick a better destination next time or dont bother advertising ..
— Beth Walker (@bethwalker98) August 7, 2019
Time to re-think the dates you hold this more reliable weather in June-July tbh! Gutted for everyone at HQ though can’t of been easy decision!
— Jay Aston Martin (@JAMIN1988) August 6, 2019
Many expressed concerns about having the festival next to a cliff, which could be a reason why organizers had to cancel so late. Additionally, fans urged organizers to book the festival on another weekend, as fans had to deal with rain during last year’s edition of the fest as well.