Severe weather concerns forced the cancellation of the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, the Tennessee festival announced on social media.
After issuing an evacuation notice earlier in the day, Bonnaroo brass issued the unfortunate news on Instagram Friday just after Luke Combs finished his set. He was the only headliner to perform.
Here's what they said:
“Today, the National Weather Service provided us with an updated forecast with significant and steady precipitation that will produce deteriorating camping and egress conditions in the coming days,” the statement reads. “We are beyond gutted, but we must make the safest decision and cancel the remainder of Bonnaroo. We are going to make things right with you, and you will find refund information at the end of this message, but let’s start with the next steps.”
“The number one thing we need from the Bonnaroo community is patience,” the message reads. “Some of your fellow campers’ sites are in rough shape. The rain has settled in areas and made certain parts of Outeroo difficult to manage. We’d like to prioritize getting those folks as well as those with accessibility needs off The Farm as soon as possible this evening. To do this, we ask that if your campsite is in good shape or if you’re in an RV or pre-pitched accommodation, please consider spending the night with us and we’ll start working to get you out of here safely tomorrow.”
Festival organizers concluded their announcement, saying they were "crushed" to make the decision:
“We have put our hearts and souls into making this weekend the most special one of the year, and cannot express how crushed we are to have to make this decision. Thank you in advance for your patience, your positivity and your unfailing Bonnaroovian spirit.”
The festival is issuing full and partial refunds via Front Gate Tickets, according to their post on Instagram. All one-day admission and parking tickets purchased will be fully refunded, while all four-day admission and camping tickets purchased will receive a 75% refund.
Several acts announced makeup shows in nearby Nashville, according to The Tennessean, including Jack's Mannequin, who is performing at Cannery Hall on Sunday.
Bonnaroo kicked things off Thursday with performances from Combs, Dom Dolla, Insane Clown Posse, and Rebecca Black. The headliners for the weekend were scheduled to include Tyler, the Creator, John Summit, and Glass Animals on Friday; Olivia Rodrigo, Avril Lavigne, and Justice on Saturday; and Hozier, Vampire Weekend, and Queens of the Stone Age wrapping things up on Sunday.
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