Dreamworld ends as fans lose front-row Oils seats

Midnight Oil fans who thought they had the best seats in the house for Saturday’s WOMADelaide show have been disappointed at the last minute.

Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Midnight Oil fans have reacted with power and passion at news that they’ve lost their coveted front-row seats for Saturday night’s WOMADelaide performance.

A last-minute realisation that the front two rows at the King Rodney Park/Ityamai-itpina venue were too close to the stage to guarantee good views has resulted in some punters being moved several rows back.

Midnight Oil fan page Powderworkers! has dozens of comments from aficionados – some of whom are travelling from interstate specially for the show – who have lost their spots.

“I’ve told them either they move the last two rows of A1 to A3 or they will have a stand up fight on the night with those in rows 1&2 demanding they sit in first two rows” a fan named Leanne said.

“What complete rubbish. If you had known that when you bought your tickets you would have bought 3rd row! I would be absolutely furious,” a fan named Allison said.

Sydney-based Midnight Oil fan Lynton – who provided his first name – said he was moved from the second row to row 13. After complaining he was found seats in row six, but he says he still feels disappointed.

“They offered a refund, but we’ve booked flights and accommodation so that’s not an option for us,” Lynton said.

“If you couldn’t see from the front two rows you think somebody would have noticed that sooner than just a few days out from the show.”

Womadelaide director Ian Scobie. Picture: Tait Schmaal

WOMADelaide has had to be drastically reimagined this year due to COVID restrictions, with the usual international line-up changing to Australian artists only and changing from a roaming festival at Botanic Park to a seated event at a new venue.

WOMADelaide festival director Ian Scobie said the seating plan “mistakenly included two rows of seats which were not intended to go on advance sale and with our temporary stage now installed it is clear that they are unable to be used.”

“The height of the stage means that these front two rows are too close to the stage and have severely restricted views. Consequently, we have to remove these rows and re-seat those who had purchased tickets here.”

Mr Scobie said that in normal circumstances organisers may have been able to find more room by narrowing the gap between seats, but COVID regulations made that impossible.

“We are reseating patrons who were allocated seats in error in the first two rows and are ensuring that the replacement seats all have excellent views. We are sorry for the disappointment this may cause patrons and can appreciate the sense of frustration having their seats reallocated may cause, but the logistical circumstances leaves us with no alternative, to ensure that all patrons have a safe and enjoyable experience at the festival.”