​Women-only music festival Burning Woman criticised over refund troubles

Burning Woman, a women’s music and arts festival which was due to be held in Lincolnshire this month, has been criticised over refund troubles.

The festival cancelled its 2024 edition after announcing that it had been the target of harassment online and also faced financial struggles ahead of its event, which was due to take place from July 19 - 21 at Belvoir Castle, close to Grantham.

“This was not an easy decision,” organisers wrote in an Instagram post. “We have poured our hearts and souls into creating a transformative and empowering event for you, especially amidst the challenges of the pandemic, last-minute venue change, and the rising cost of living.”

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Burning Woman claimed that it had been subject to “relentless harassment from an anonymous group of women” who “spread untruths about the company”.

The festival went into liquidation on July 8, the BBC reports, leaving festivalgoers with uncertainty over refunds. An email addressed to one ticket holder explained that the festival "is not able to make any payments, including part or full refunds", per the BBC.

One ticket holder, Siani Driver, who paid £250 for two tickets to Burning Woman told the BBC: "I'm a mum of three kids. I don't go on fancy holidays. I'm a carer for my disabled son so don't have £250 just lying around to spend on myself."

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She said that she was left “angry and disappointed” by the decision, and would “be amazed if I got my £250 back”. "It was a real kick in the teeth,” she said.

Siani’s friend added: "It's left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, especially because it is a festival that touted itself as being an empowering experience for women."

Burning Woman told ticket holders that they would be contacted by the festival’s insolvency practitioner, however, one festivalgoer told the BBC that they had received “no communication” from organisers thus far.

[Via BBC]

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter