Defqon.1 music festival cancelled after organisers fail to find venue
Organisers of a Sydney music festival that last year saw two young people die from drugs has been cancelled because they cannot find a venue.
NSW
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DEFQON.1 hard core dance festival has been indefinitely postponed in Sydney after NSW Government deemed the Sydney International Regatta Centre unsuitable to host the event.
Festival organisers quietly announced the music festival would not be hosted this year after struggling to find venues in a message to fans on Facebook.
“Warriors, it is with great sadness to inform you that Defqon.1 Festival will not return to Australia this year,” the announcement read.
“Unfortunately the Sydney International Regatta Centre and its affiliates have withdrawn their support for the event.
“Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to secure a suitable replacement venue for the event to take place this September.”
The statement thanked fans and ambassadors for its supporting hosting the annual event in Australia for the last ten years and vowed to continue to search for an alternative venue.
“To our fans, Ambassadors, and everyone else that has contributed to the incredible memories we created for the past 10 years: from the depths of our orange heart we would like to thank all of you for your ongoing support, dedication, and for creating the most epic family imaginable.
“While we continue to look for a suitable alternative location that meets our quality standards, we remain uncertain if and when we return.”
The announcement came after last year’s Penrith event was marred by the death of Joseph Pham, 23, from western Sydney, who suffered a heart attack and died after an apparent drug overdose.
Fellow reveller Diana Nguyen, a 21-year-old Melbourne woman, also died.
Police said 13 other festival-goers attended Nepean Hospital for treatment for drug-related issues, while as many as 700 people sought help from medical staff on site.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT HERE
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