In a move that's sure to disappoint many rock music enthusiasts, the organizers of the Blue Ridge Rock Festival (BRRF) have officially announced the cancellation of the 2024 event. This decision comes after months of anticipation and speculation following the events of the previous year's festival.
In their recent statement posted across social media platforms, the organizers expressed their regret at having to cancel the 2024 event, citing unresolved issues stemming from the 2023 weather cancellation. They emphasized their ongoing commitment to settling insurance claims and ensuring resolution for all affected parties.
They clarified misconceptions surrounding ticket sales for the 2024 festival, asserting that tickets were made available during the 2023 event, contrary to recent reports. They assured ticket holders of full refunds and extended gratitude to the Virginia International Raceway for their support.
Statement by the organizers
(@blueridgerockfest on Instagram)
"The Blue Ridge Rock Festival and Virginia International Raceway are saddened to announce that the 2024 festival will not take place as originally planned. Our number one focus and priority has been, and remains, settling the insurance claim and ensuring resolution for everyone affected by 2023's weather cancellation.
After thorough consideration and discussions between both parties, we have mutually agreed that hosting the festival in 2024 is not feasible at this time since we are still awaiting a resolution for 2023. As a result, all items purchased for the 2024 festival will be fully refunded. Contrary to online reports, 2024 tickets were placed on-sale at the very start of the 2023 festival (not any time recently), just as we did in 2022. This 2024 on-sale took place well prior to the weather-induced partial cancellation of the 2023 festival. The sales that did take place for 2024 have been held in escrow. We are working with the merchant processing company to streamline and process refunds. Please stay tuned to your email for 2024 refund information forthcoming.
We would like to express our gratitude to Virginia International Raceway for their partnership and unwavering support through this unexpected, and unequivocally challenging time. What has occurred behind the scenes over the last several months with Blue Ridge has often been incredibly unique and unprecedented for a Music Festival, but VIR has graciously understood, maintained faith, and worked through each situation with us. While BRRF will not take place in 2024, we look forward to revealing what the future holds in 2025. We are very grateful for an incredibly passionate fan base that organically took a tiny one day festival, in rural Virginia, to unbelievable heights, through fan engagement and innovation in its lineup, experiences, and overall curation.
Thank you to all our supporters, attendees, and partners for your understanding and infectious support of Blue Ridge Rock Festival. We look forward to soon resolving 2023 and 2024 for all." - BRRF announcement on Instagram
In 2023, the festival faced major issues. Bad weather forced everyone to leave suddenly, leaving fans frustrated and stranded in awful weather conditions. There were also problems with communication and reports of staff facing tough conditions. Read more on what happened in 2023 here.
