Photo: WENN
After a week of speculation, during which fans and bands voiced their anger and confusion over the festival's uncertain future, Alt-Fest organisers have officially confirmed that the festival has been cancelled.
The festival, which was funded through a kickstarter, was scheduled for 15 -17 August in Kettering, Northamptonshire, and was to host acts including Marilyn Manson, The Cult, Gary Numan and Paradise Lost.
Rumours first began circulating earlier this week after Marilyn Manson's Facebook page stated that the festival had been cancelled. The festival subsequently released a statement to say that they were dealing with some "extremely challenging & stressful issues."
Many of the bands on the bill expressed their confusion over the rumours, and XP8, who were supposed to appear on the bill, posted on the festival's page to say, "Are you going to contact us anytime soon or will you keep to ignore our email, and keep treating us as a "B series" band while most of the headliners have been notified already yesterday?"
Now Alt-Fest have released a second statement confirming its cancellation: "It is with a heavy heart that we must confirm we have had to cancel Alt-Fest. We tried to put on a ground-breaking event for you & the alternative scene, and it was your support that was helping to make it happen."
They continue: "From our early days on Kickstarter through to all of you who have purchased tickets we thank you. We the organisers of Alt-Fest have done everything we can to save it, but this week we ran out of time to raise all the required funds that was needed upfront of the festival."
Due to the high profile acts on this year's line-up, the festival organisers were expecting to sell more tickets. They blame a "costing error" and "ultimately poor advice" on the cancellation, as well as competition from larger festivals.
The statement goes on to say, "We are so, so deeply sorry, it’s awful to think of all the people who bought a ticket in good faith, who booked travel, some from the other side of the world. We massively appreciate the support you have shown, especially all the people who championed and defended us."
Anyone who purchased tickets for the festival is eligible for a refund on their tickets.
