The Cornish festival has been cancelled hours before the opening time due to severe storm warnings.
Organisers announced their decision last night after discussions with the police and safety advisors deemed the weather forecast too risky.
A statement posted on the website specified “high winds” as the main cause for concern.
It continued: “Following a full confrontation with all the relevant authorities including independent safety advisors, Devon and Cornwall Police, emergency services and the Met Office, a final decision was made.
“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.”
The three-day event was expected to attract 55,000 attendees with some already travelling down to Newquay.
Fans have taken to Twitter to express their disappointment, with some complaining about the loss of money on tickets and transportation. #Boardmasters is now trending on Twitter.
One fan complained: “You offering refunds for all the food, tents and clothes we got too? Joke this.”
Another posted: “I WAS LEAVING TO DRIVE 300 MILES IN SIX HOURS TIME, WHAT THE HELL?”
Other fans, however, used the social media platform to show their understanding, with one stating: “They wouldn’t have taken this decision unless nothing else was possible.”
The festival was also cancelled in 2014 when ex-hurricane Bertha threatened the safety of fans, staff and crew on the final day. Organisers had said the “magnitude of the conditions is too severe for the arena site to be opened” and campers reported waterlogged conditions and tents being blown away.
Author: Molly Hookings
Molly joined the editorial team in March 2019. She has several years’ experience working in broadcast and journalism, as well as marketing and PR. Past experience includes working for the BBC and independent publishing houses. If you have a story you think Molly might be interested in, please email: molly@eventindustrynews.com
