Glasgow’s ‘In the City’ festival was supposed to be a summer highlight, but now fans are out of pocket and the stages are silent! It turns out the promoter has gone bankrupt, leaving a trail of questions. What happens when your dream festival vanishes overnight?
Music enthusiasts in Scotland have been left reeling after the abrupt cancellation of a major music festival in Glasgow, leaving many out of pocket and disappointed.
The “In the City” festival, envisioned as a vibrant two-day spectacle, was slated for August 23rd and 24th at the iconic Glasgow Green, promising performances from acclaimed acts such as Unkle, Huey Morgan, and Grandmaster Flash.
Organisers initially cited insufficient ticket sales as the primary reason for the last-minute postponement, a claim further complicated by revelations concerning the financial status of promoter Brian Traynor, who has reportedly been declared bankrupt.
Many prospective attendees, like Norry Wilson from Glasgow, invested significant sums, with some spending upwards of £180 for tickets, drawn by the convenience of a high-profile event close to home. This unforeseen festival cancellation has raised concerns about consumer rights in the live events sector.
BBC Scotland News reports suggest that Mr. Traynor is currently subject to a sequestration order over unpaid debts, casting serious doubt on any future revival of the event and intensifying the financial uncertainty for ticket holders amidst the promoter bankruptcy situation.
This isn’t Mr. Traynor’s first foray into troubled Glasgow events. His 2021 “Playground” festival at Rouken Glen park was plagued with its own set of issues, including artist withdrawals and allegations of unpaid staff, suggesting a concerning pattern in event management within the entertainment news sphere.
The incident also highlights broader concerns within the music industry, with artists like Glasgow DJ duo Optimo reportedly refusing to perform until payments were secured and witnessing unsettling behaviour, underscoring the precarious environment for talent in such ventures.
As fans await clarity on potential refunds and recourse, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with large-scale event planning and the critical need for robust protections for both attendees and performers in the vibrant, yet sometimes volatile, world of music festivals.
