Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 5
Primavera Sound Cancels 5 Acts as 80km/h Winds Trigger Refunds and Fan Backlash
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 5

Primavera Sound Cancels 5 Acts as 80km/h Winds Trigger Refunds and Fan Backlash

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 5

Summary

  • Five acts were pulled at Primavera Sound on Thursday, with Doja Cat, Massive Attack and Bad Gyal cancelled shortly before showtime after earlier sets by Alex G and Mac DeMarco were also scrapped.
  • Organisers said rain and wind gusts of up to 80km/h made it impossible to guarantee safety, while Mac DeMarco's team also could not complete setup in time under the conditions.
  • Thursday ticket holders will be refunded, with details due on Monday; the festival said no serious incidents occurred and that safety protocols were followed.
  • Fans said poor communication worsened the disruption, describing hours in the rain, vague app alerts and learning about cancellations through rumours or Doja Cat's Instagram live.
  • The fallout has put pressure on organisers to restore confidence as the Barcelona festival continues Friday with The Cure, Addison Rae and PinkPantheress scheduled.

Insights

Why did a top festival's crisis plan leave 80,000 fans uninformed during a major storm?
Could a simple weather playbook have prevented the communication chaos at Barcelona's massive music festival?
Beyond refunds, how can a festival rebuild fan trust after a communication catastrophe?