The inaugural Promise Village music festival, poised to feature top-tier R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeats stars, has been abruptly canceled less than two weeks after its announcement due to “unforeseen circumstances.” General ticket sales for the festival had just opened on Monday, July 15.

Scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 12, at Langley Park in Perth, the festival promised an impressive lineup with international headliners J Hus, Rema, and Jorja Smith. Additional acts included stars like Headie One, Nemzzz, Uncle Waffles, and more, with Yung Filly set to host the event.

The festival, presented by triple j, aimed to bring a fresh and exciting experience to Perth’s music scene. However, those attempting to purchase tickets through Megatix will now find a cancellation notice instead.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Promise Village on the 12th of October 2024 will no longer be going ahead,” reads the notice. “Refunds have been automatically processed, so no action is required. Please allow up to 5 business days for the funds to reach your account used for purchase.”

Promise Village’s co-director, Emal Naim, cited low ticket sales and a lack of local government support as the reasons for the cancellation. “It unfortunately didn’t hold up to initial expectations and there was not much support to sustain costs, it just wasn’t feasible anymore,” Naim, a Perth native, told Perth Now.

The festival will not be rescheduled, and Naim expressed doubts about organising future events in Perth. “We’ve made the decision indefinitely to not return to Perth, we’re scared to,” he said.

Upon announcing the festival on July 8, Naim had remarked, “This is a long time coming for Perth, and we can’t wait to host a music festival on a global standard to a community of fans who have been waiting patiently.” The cancellation marks a significant disappointment for both the organisers and the fans who were eagerly anticipating the event.