‘Crazy not to do it again’: Fraudster returns with Fyre Festival 2
The convicted fraudster behind the infamous Fyre Festival is set to mount a sequel event called Fyre 2 later this year in Mexico, with tickets now on sale for up to $1.7 million, despite no acts yet being confirmed.
The 2017 Fyre Festival, which was ultimately cancelled, was promoted by myriad celebrities including Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. Revellers paid thousands to attend the event on an island in The Bahamas, only to find ramshackle tents, cold cheese sandwiches and few bathrooms.
Billy McFarland, who was handed a six-year prison term for criminal conduct associated with the 2017 Fyre Festival, has launched Fyre 2.Credit: AP
Promoter Billy McFarland was sentenced to six years’ prison for defrauding investors of $38.5 million, and the festival became the subject of a popular Netflix documentary.
He was released in 2022 and has now announced Fyre Festival 2 is slated to take place from May 30 to June 2 on Mexico’s Isla Mujeres, off the coast of Cancun.
“I’m sure many people think I’m crazy for doing this again. But I feel I’d be crazy not to do it again,” McFarland said in a statement posted to Instagram. “The adventure seekers who trust the vision and take the leap will help make history. Thank you to my partners for the second chance.”
McFarland has promised a mix of A-list artists spanning electronic, hip-hop, rock and pop at Fyre 2, and also hinted at other entertainment options, including professional skateboarding lessons and self-defence demonstrations from “an MMA [mixed martial arts] champion”.
“My dream is finally becoming a reality,” McFarland told US network NBC’s Today show earlier this week. “Fyre 2 really isn’t about the past, and it’s not really about me. It’s about taking the vision, which is strong.”
McFarland said he was focusing on “selling the experience of Fyre”, hoping to become “one of the first festivals to sell out with no artists”.
He told the network that unlike the original festival, he would not be taking on the logistics himself, instead working with Mexican festival producer Lostnights.
About 2000 tickets are available, ranging in price from $2206 to $1.7 million, with the most expensive – the “Prometheus God of Fyre” package – granting full access for eight attendees with accommodation in a four-bedroom villa or yacht and the services of a 24/7 private chauffeur.
Mattresses and relief tents set up for Fyre Festival, which promised a lush experience for attendees. Credit: Jake Strang
The cheaper packages do not include accommodation, though the Fyre website has said the festival will partner with existing hotels in the area to offer preferred rates for patrons.
It is unclear if McFarland, who is restricted from international travel due to his conviction, will be in attendance.
“I have to be OK with mentally maybe watching a live-stream from my computer and crying a bit,” McFarland said.
McFarland acknowledged that attendees would be taking a risk following the 2017 debacle, noting he “made a lot of bad decisions and messed up the first festival”. However, he said its sequel would be an “adventure” for those who chose to take it.
“Until it’s experienced, there is a risk component to it.”
McFarland and the Isla Mujeres tourism board have been contacted for further comment.
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