EXCLUSIVE Russell Brand's wellness festival cancelled amid rape charges
The festival, which was due to take place this July, had sold hundreds of tickets despite the comic-turned-born-again Christian facing serious criminal charges.
Brand, 49, has been charged with rape, indecent assault and sexual assault in relation to allegations from four women, dating between 1999 and 2005. He appeared in court earlier this month for the first time.
Spots at the three-day event were priced up to £210, with cheaper 'early crow' and 'early bird' tickets - costing between £160 and £185 - snapped up months ago by fans.
Brand's website described the event as: 'Community is about personal awakening and social change. Russell Brand and friends will be back for 3 days of camping, conversation on spirituality, wellness, healthy living and our environment.'
The programme was set to include yoga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, musical performances, and massage and meditation sessions run by holistic healers.
Brand's wife, Laura Gallacher, was also billed as a speaker.
In an environmental appeal on the site, Brand urged guests to avoid driving alone: 'Audience travel is typically the largest part of an event's carbon footprint. Please consider a lower-carbon travel route: public transport, shuttle bus, coach or if you're driving, fill your car with passengers.'
A similar festival took place in Hay-on-Wye in 2023, as part of Brand's continued transformation from comedian and provocateur to self-styled spiritual guide and wellness advocate.
But links to the upcoming festival's ticket pages on The Ticket Sellers website are now defunct.
A cancellation notice reads: 'Please note: this event has now been cancelled, more detail may be contained in the event text below. If you have purchased tickets for this event, then please contact us on 0121 472 6688 or email refunds@TheTicketSellers.co.uk.'
No formal announcement has yet been made on Brand's personal website or social media accounts.
The cancellation follows legal proceedings against the comedian and podcast host, who appeared in court earlier this month facing multiple charges of rape and sexual assault.
Brand, 49, is accused of offences against four women, including rape, indecent assault and oral rape, spanning from 1999 to 2005.
Prosecutor Dhadda told Westminster Magistrates Court that one of the alleged incidents occurred in a hotel room following a Labour Party Conference event in Bournemouth in 1999.
'He pushed her onto the bed, pulled down her trousers and knickers and he raped her. He left her with an email address,' the court heard.
Another woman accused Brand of trying to drag her into a male toilet at a television studio, while two further alleged victims have also come forward.
Brand, who is represented by Oliver Schneider-Sikorsky – the barrister who successfully defended Kevin Spacey in 2023 – has denied all charges.
In a video posted to his X account earlier this year, he said: 'I welcome the opportunity to prove my innocence.'
Brand previously stated all of his sexual encounters had been consensual.
Brand has long rebranded himself from comic provocateur to wellness guru and spiritual guide, attracting followers through his podcast, YouTube channel, and live events. He previously held a similar festival in Hay-on-Wye in 2023.
He now lives in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, with his wife Laura and their two daughters, Mabel and Peggy.
The TV and film star was married to US pop singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012.
He has claimed he is being 'attacked' and 'shut down' by British authorities, following a 13-month Met Police investigation triggered by a joint Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches exposé.
Brand was interviewed under caution three times before being formally charged last month. He remains on bail ahead of his next court appearance on May 30.
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