WATKINS GLEN, NY (CelebrityAccess) — The financial backers behind the Woodstock 50 music festival announced on Monday that the festival had been canceled.
In a statement provided to the Poughkeepsie Journal, a spokesman for Dentsu Aegis Network’s Amplifi Live said: “It’s a dream for agencies to work with iconic brands and to be associated with meaningful movements. We have a strong history of producing experiences that bring people together around common interests and causes which is why we chose to be a part of the Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival. But despite our tremendous investment of time, effort and commitment, we don’t believe the production of the festival can be executed as an event worthy of the Woodstock Brand name while also ensuring the health and safety of the artists, partners, and attendees.”
“As a result and after careful consideration, Dentsu Aegis Network’s Amplifi Live, a partner of Woodstock 50, has decided to cancel the festival. As difficult as it is, we believe this is the most prudent decision for all parties involved,” the statement added.
The festival, which was to mark the 50th anniversary of the historic Woodstock Music & Arts Fair, was scheduled to take place from August 16 – 19th in Watkins Glen, New York. Headliners announced for the event included Jay-Z, Miley Cyrus, Dead & Co, and The Killers.
According to Billboard, reps from the festival said the event was canceled in the face of concerns about site readiness and permitting issues. The festival has been dogged for months by rumors of instability and slow payments to artists, and last week, festival organizers took the dramatic step of postponing the onsale date of tickets for the event amid what was reported to be permitting issues with the county
Reps with the festival also approached by AEG and Live Nation last week about investing $20 million to save the festival but both companies declined, Billboard reported.
However, despite the cancellation announcement, other festival organizers insist that statement from Dentsu Aegis is false and that the festival is still on.
“Woodstock 50 vehemently denies the festival’s cancellation and legal remedy will (be) sought,” Woodstock 50 organizers said in a statement provided to the Poughkeepsie Journal.
