'Shambles' - Huge star's set cancelled at Electric Picnic amid crowd safety concerns
US DJ Armand Van Helden had started his set on the Smirnoff stage when a decision was made to abandon the performance over crowd safety concerns
A legendary US DJ’s set at Electric Picnic was cancelled after he had briefly started due to crowd safety concerns, it has been reported.
Armand Van Helden had started his set on the Smirnoff stage when a decision was made to abandon the performance over the concerns. A much larger crowd that anticipated made their way to one of the venue’s smaller stages, prompting the late call from organisers.
Footage of the crowds that gathered in anticipation of the set has been circulating on social media, including one of the crowd dispersing after the disappointing news was delivered.
Festivalgoers reacted angrily on social media with one person describing the scenes as a “shambles.”
Some bemoaned the fact that Armand Van Helden had been booked for one of the smaller stages when he has drawn enormous crowds at similar festivals around the world.
One person wrote: “Well you just knew that was gonna happen,” while a second said, “you’d be snapping.”
Further comments on social media read:
“Outrageous for Armand van helden at EP - is he gonna play elsewhere over weekend ? He was always gonna get that crowd for Smirnoff...Rankin woods would of making more sense.”
“Once again @EPfestival not having the foresight to put Armand van Helden on a bigger stage. Too many people turn up for a tiny venue and the gig gets pulled. Fatboy slim at salty dog last year. Embarrassing.”
Meanwhile, Meath star CMAT has confirmed she will take to the main stage as planned on Saturday night despite cancelling a gig in Paris on Friday due to illness.