Woodstock 50’s financial partner announced Monday that the highly anticipated anniversary music festival was canceled, but the organizers weren’t backing down and insisted…
Woodstock 50’s financial partner announced Monday that the highly anticipated anniversary music festival was canceled, but the organizers weren’t backing down and insisted the show will go on as planned Aug. 16 to 18 in Schuyler County, New York.
But according to Schuyler County Administrator Tim O’Hearn, local officials are ready to move on without the economic boost from the event.
O’Hearn said he received an email shortly before noon Monday from promoter Dentsu Aegis Network that the event was canceled.
After various reports were published announcing the cancellation, the organizers released a statement: “Woodstock 50 vehemently denies the festival’s cancellation and legal remedy will (be) sought.”
Officials at Watkins Glen International racetrack, the site of the festival, had no comment.
The statement from Dentsu Aegis Network didn’t offer any specifics on why the festival is being canceled.
“It’s a dream for agencies to work with iconic brands and to be associated with meaningful movements,” the statement read. “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,” the statement said.
Ticket sales were to begin April 22, but were postponed the Friday before. A new ticket sale date was never announced, and the website now says “tickets on sale soon.”
The New York State Department of Health said it was on track to approve permits for the event.
“From the beginning planning stages, the New York State Department of Health has worked closely and collaboratively with all parties involved in Woodstock 50 to assure a safe and successful event,” the DOH said in a statement.
