Billy McFarland
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Shocking absolutely no one: Fyre Festival 2 is not happening.
Organizers for the fest announced that it had been “postponed” in a message sent to ticket holders Wednesday, April 16, per ABC News.
“The event has been postponed and a new date will be announced,” the message read. “We have issued you a refund. Once the new date is announced, at that time, you can repurchase if it works for your schedule.”
The exact reasons for the postponement are unclear, and a rep for the fest did not immediately return a request for comment. Fyre Fest 2 was supposed to take place May 30 to June 2 on Isla Mujeres in Mexico, with tickets going on sale in February (despite pushback from local officials).
The sequel to the disastrous 2017 festival — which landed founder and organizer Billy McFarland in prison on fraud charges — was set to offer attendees “boundary-pushing excursions by day” and “intimate beach-side performances at night.” The lineup was set to feature “international and local talent,” but no artists were ever announced.
McFarland previously pleaded guilty to fraud charges related to the disastrous first Fyre Festival and was released from prison in 2022 after serving less than four years.
Unfazed by his punishment, McFarland announced Fyre Fest 2 in August 2023, putting tickets on sale to gullible festivalgoers before he even detailed the date, location, or lineup. “Guys, this is your chance to get in,” McFarland said at the end of the clip. “This is everything I’ve been working towards — let’s fucking go.”
The 2023 sequel did not happen, obviously. Then, earlier this year, McFarland reemerged with vague plans for a 2025 Fyre Fest 2, this time with a date and potential locations in Mexico: Isla Mujeres — whose tourist board denied the fest was happening there, and Playa Del Carmen, whose government also said that no Fyre Fest 2 was planned.
Yet, tickets again went on sale, with “Ignite” and “Fuego” packages ranging from $1,100 to $5,000 (neither provided airfare or accommodations; “There are dozens of hotels and many rental villas available in Playa Del Carmen,” organizers suggested), while the “Phoenix” package was priced at $25,000.
McFarland claimed that the event had 1,800 confirmed guests and that its lineup would feature rappers, DJs, pilots, creators, and athletes, but did not share who would actually be attending.
“I’m sure many people think I’m crazy for doing this again,” McFarland said at the time. “But I feel I’d be crazy not to do it again. After years of reflection and now thoughtful planning, the new team and I have amazing plans for Fyre 2.”
From Rolling Stone US.
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