Eastbourne festival organisers clarify postponement decision amid backlash
Event organisers of an Eastbourne festival that was postponed over the bank holiday weekend have clarified what led to the late decision amid widespread criticism from ticket holders.
Bournefest was called off shortly after 5pm on Saturday (August 29) due to ‘unsafe weather conditions’, having been scheduled to start at 1pm at the Western Lawns.
The event had been due to run on Sunday too, but organisers confirmed earlier in August that the second day was postponed because of ‘circumstances beyond our control’.
The decision sparked backlash from those due to attend – some of whom were already at the Lawns waiting for the event to begin.
Some of them noticed that artists due to perform in Eastbourne were booked in at other events elsewhere on Saturday, leading to speculation that the decision to postpone had been made long before.
The event’s organisers explained that many artists were working to ‘extremely tight schedules’ with other commitments ‘around the country’, meaning some had to leave during the wait for weather conditions to improve to fulfil those.
They said that concerns were raised about the weather’s potential impact on Friday evening (August 28), but were assured that the event would be going ahead.
A spokesperson for Bournefest said: “We also asked what would happen in the worst-case scenario if conditions deteriorated and were advised that the stage could be temporarily evacuated, with artists returning once conditions were safe.
“We believed and relied upon that professional guidance, and based on those assurances, we continued preparing for Saturday.”
Organisers confirmed that, as customers began to arrive, weather conditions ‘deteriorated’ and the gates were forced to close on health and safety grounds.
They claimed to have done ‘everything within our power’ to get the festival on, but ultimately ‘could not take any chances with people’s safety’.
A spokesperson said: “We are absolutely gutted, especially after seeing the site ready, artists arriving and customers beginning to turn up.
“Our focus now is on moving forward positively. We are working hard to secure a new date and venue and will update everyone as soon as this is confirmed.
“Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support.”
Organisers said they were also ‘very mindful’ of an incident at Big Church Festival in Steyning on Friday in which a man from Eastbourne died and people were injured by a falling sign.
They confirmed that artists due to perform at Bournefest have been ‘incredibly supportive’ about returning if the event is rescheduled.