LIVERPOOL (CelebrityAccess) — The final day of the inaugural edition of the two-day Hope & Glory Festival in Liverpool was canceled by organizers after its opening day was plagued by overcrowding and apparent disorganization.
"It is with the deepest regret that the organisers of HOPE & GLORY made the decision to cancel the Sunday of the festival. We can appreciate how disappointed and angry the festival-goers are as we are feeling the same. To say that the organisers feel anything short of devastated would be a gross understatement," fest organizers said in a post via their social media on Sunday.
The 12,5000-capacity festival was set to take place at William Brown Street in the city’s St George’s Quarter with headliners James, Hacienda Classical, Ocean Colour Scene, Razorlight and The Fratellis on the bill. However, many scheduled artists never made it to the stage, due to long delays in performances. Some, including Charlotte Church, found alternative venues in the market to perform for fans.
Others did make it on to the stage to perform but only after long delays. After their performance, James frontman Tim Booth tweeted to the band's fans afterward: "Sorry everyone was messed around so badly. Hope you managed to find some pleasure amongst the chaos."
The festival was also beset by long lines, with Merseyside police stepping in to help to establish a second entrance to the event on its first day after the main festival queue grow to hours long, the BBC reported.
As well, fans complained of overcrowding, long lines inside the festival and hours-long waitst and poor access to toilets and food and drink facilities.
The festival has since posted a lengthy statement on the derailing of the festival, which can be read on their Facebook page.
