The Esoteric Psychedelic Circus Festival was abruptly cancelled by organizer Sam Goldsmith, leading to dismay and shock among attendees who had lined up outside the festival gates since early Thursday morning. Festival-goer Trent Harris-Maher described the scene as some people cried, while others expressed disbelief and anger at the sudden cancellation. Many had paid for round-trip bus tickets to the festival, only to find themselves stranded and unsure of how to get back. Harris-Maher and his fiance ended up spending about $5000 on their festival trip, including lodging in Melbourne, and had to arrange for a private transfer back to the city the next day.
Other festival attendees who had paid for early entry tickets also expressed frustration at the financial loss and inconvenience caused by the cancellation. Some had traveled from as far as Perth and the UK to attend the festival, adding to their disappointment. The decision to cancel the festival was linked to issues with obtaining a planning permit, with council officers initially recommending against granting approval due to concerns about health and safety plans. While the council eventually voted for the festival to proceed, the municipal building surveyor ultimately refused to issue an occupancy permit, leading to the cancellation.
Despite the cancellation, festival organizers have offered refunds to ticket holders and the option to hold on to their tickets for the 2026 festival. They also announced a consolation event in Melbourne, though for many attendees like Harris-Maher, the experience was still a disappointing and saddening one. The abrupt cancellation of the festival highlights the challenges and uncertainties faced by event organizers and attendees in the midst of changing regulations and health and safety concerns. The financial impact and emotional toll of such cancellations can be significant, particularly for those who have invested time, money, and effort into attending the event. The aftermath of the Esoteric Psychedelic Circus Festival serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough planning and communication in order to avoid such disruptions in the future.
