"Heartbroken" organisers call off Weekender

Thursday 06 August 2020

The Jacksons, Ella Henderson and Sigala will no longer be performing in Jersey next month after the "heartbroken" organisers of the Weekender announced that this year's festival was off.

While many of this year's largest events had already been cancelled, the Weekender's organisers said they had been waiting for the release of government guidance on 'Level 1' lockdown, when it's hoped public events will be able to resume.

However, 24 hours before tomorrow's expected announcement, they said they didn't believe the guidance would make it possible for them to operate.

Tickets bought for this year will now be rolled over for next year's festival, which will take place on 4 and 5 September 2021.

In a post shared on the festival's Facebook page, the organisers said they were "absolutely heartbroken" to announce that the event could not take place this year. 

"Given the Level 1 guidance that is about to be released over the next 24hrs, it makes it impossible for Weekender, The Channel Islands favourite festival, from taking place in Sept this year," they explained.

While the team acknowledged the announcement may have come "slightly later than many would have expected", they said they had waited as long as they possibly could for official government guidance to be published.

"We have been working tirelessly over the past few months to do so, whilst enduring the mental and emotional anguish of the uncertainty that the covid situation has dealt the events industry across the world," they added.

"After the success of last year’s sell out Weekender, we had an even bigger year lined up for 2020, with tickets selling faster than ever and VIP having sold out earlier than usual, we are devastated that we cannot share that with you, but we must now look to 2021 as the year we can all party together again."

They went on to send a heartfelt message to the people and businesses who rely on the festival for income.

"This pandemic has affected so many people across the world, but the events industry has been hit harder than most, and have seen a number of festivals struggle to survive over the past few months," they said.

"We appreciate your support now more than ever before, and for you to trust us when we say that we have explored every avenue available to keep Weekender running this year.

The organisers promised they will do "absolutely everything" they can to make sure next year’s Weekender is "the best event they have ever put on", giving people something to look forward to.

Video: The Jacksons were one of this year's headline acts.

All tickets bought for Weekender 2020 will be automatically rolled over until next year. Those who require a refund should contact the organisers via Eventbrite before Thursday 20 August 2020.

"We know that not everyone will be able to hold onto their tickets, but those that do will be helping to keep Weekender alive for the foreseeable future," the Weekender team said.

"We are set to suffer significant losses this year due to this unprecedented time, but with your help and understanding of the uncontrollable situation, we can come back stronger than ever before!"

This year's Weekender was due to welcome the Jacksons, Ella Henderson and Sigala.

Additional artists for Weekender 2021 will be announced on 5 and 6 September this year, the dates Weekender 2020 should have taken place.