Festivalgoers have been left disappointed as Storm Lilian forced the cancellation of this weekend’s Reading and Leeds festival events.
Eager fans had attempted to set up camp at Bramham Park for the Leeds Festival in anticipation of the 2024 three-day music extravaganza when the storm resulted in the loss of three stages.
It left those who had arrived as early as 7am to pitch their tents heartbroken, with some asking for refunds. The organisers expressed their devastation for the attendees, announcing that the BBC Radio 1 tent and stage would remain closed for the rest of the weekend.
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This means that music aficionados who spent hundreds on the event will now miss out on performances from artists such as Chinchilla, Jorja Smith, Swim School, and The Wombats. Each was scheduled to perform on the Radio 1 stage over the weekend
(Image: Lee Mclean / SWNS)
The Aux stage was also set to host podcasts throughout the weekend, with Antics with Ash, Spill The Sound, Gym Girls Locker Room and Things I Wish My Mum Had Told Me all lined up to record episodes from the festival.
The blow has left fans devastated and questioning whether they’ll be able to get a refund, with many expressing their anger on social media.
In a statement released on Friday (August 24), Reading and Leeds Festival said: “Unfortunately the health and safety team have now confirmed we will not be able to use the BBC Radio 1 tent and stage tomorrow or Sunday,” reports the Mirror.
“We are devastated for you and of course the artists that were eager to play. That is the same for the Aux stage too. Mother nature has played her part. On the positive side, we are able to be reasonably sure the Chevron will be fit to play tomorrow and will be opened by The Useless Hotline at midday.”
(Image: Lee Mclean / SWNS)
One upset mother took to X, calling the cancellations “absolutely shocking”. She said her 17-year-old daughter’s tent was still standing yet the stages weren’t, demanding: “Partial refunds are well in order.”
Another called it “shambles” saying: “At least give us a day worth of tickets back. “Act by god” I don’t believe in him mate, do believe I just wasted £100 on this tho.”
One simply stated: “Refunds? I didn’t come to Leeds to listen to dance music we came to listen to bands”, while another dedicated festivalgoer, who has attended the Leeds events five years in a row, expressed her disappointment.
(Image: Lee Mclean / SWNS)
She voiced: “Paid the same amount as reading tickets, but we get way less acts. Why can’t you try fit the artists onto other stages? I love Leeds, it’s my 5th year. But questioning coming back next year after this.”
Reading and Leeds Festival has not made any announcements regarding refunds or compensation for those affected by the storm as of yet.
The Daily Star has contacted Reading and Leeds Festival for comment.
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