Latest news with #FyreFest
Hypebeast
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
After Cancelling Fyre Fest 2, Billy McFarland Announces New Fyre Event in Honduras
Summary Billy McFarlandcontinues his attempts at revivingFyre Festivalwith the announcement of the a new event in the Caribbean. The upcoming 'Fyre Coral View Pop-Up in Utila' will take place on September 3 to September 10 in Utila, Honduras — a small, undeveloped island. A statement from the Fyre Hotels website reads, 'After news broke a few weeks ago that we were putting the FYRE IP up for sale, we got a message. A small beach resort and the island of Utila, Honduras had seen the headlines — and they had an idea. They have tapped FYRE to bring global attention to this off-the-map gem, programming unforgettable experiences, and simply enjoying life at the edge of the reef.' 'This was a no-brainer for us, so just like that, FYRE has found its way back to the spark that started it all,' the statement continued. 'In early September, FYRE returns to the Caribbean for the FYRE Resort Pop-Up at Coral View Utila—a weeklong escape blending adventure, spontaneity, and paradise. What better way to make our return to the Caribbean after 8 years?' As history remembers it, the original 2017 Fyre Fest took place on the Bahamian island of Great Exuma. McFarland recently tried to host Fyre Fest 2 and was scheduled for April 25 to April 28, this time on Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It waspostponed indefinitelyin mid-April thensubsequently cancelledby late April. McFarland also announced that the brand was up for sale.
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Top London music festivals face cancellation after group backed by actor Mark Rylance wins court row to stop events
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SOME of London's biggest festivals face an uncertain future after residents won a court battle to block a major park from hosting events. Backed by Oscar winning actor Mark Rylance, the campaign has ordered the council to confirm that events will be cancelled this summer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Festivals like Brockwell Live and the Mighty Hoopla might be banned from going ahead Credit: Alamy 6 Lambeth residents have won a court case surrounding Brockwell Park Credit: Getty Images 6 The campaign was backed by Mark Rylance Credit: Alamy Brockwell Park in Lambeth has long been a popular site for some of the UK's biggest festivals. Hundreds of thousands of Brits flock to the park every summer to attend events including Mighty Hoopla - which was set to host both Kesha and Jade Thirwall this year. However, residents decided to fight back against the festivals after the park was left in a state they described as a 'mud-bath'. Rebekah Shaman, a member of the Protect Brockwell park group, successfully brought legal action against Lambath Council over the use of the area for events season - which kicks off on May 23. Read More on UK News URGENT HUNT More sightings of 'naked man at popular beach' after he 'chased shocked woman' The High Court was told that the challenge was over the council's decision to certify the use of the land as lawful, since a change of the park's use is allowed for 28 days per year. Mr Justice Mold rule in Rebekah's favour, since the park would be used as an event space for more than 28 days. Now, events such as Brockwell Live and the Mighty Hoopla could be banned from setting up in the park. Rebekah and her lawyers wrote a letter addressed to the council which asked if the 'event has been cancelled' and ordered them to clear any fencing or infrastructure. The draft letter from Goodenough Ring solicitors said that Brockwell Live does not have planning permission and cannot benefit from permitted development rights, and that a planning application could not be decided for at least three weeks. The letter read: "It follows that not only do the Brockwell Live events not have planning permission, but permission cannot be obtained until after they are concluded.' It continued: "As there is no planning permission for the Brockwell Live event, the event has to be cancelled." Billy McFarland Quits Fyre Fest: Festival Brand Put Up for Sale After Second Attempt Fails Goodenough Ring has asked for a response by 10am on May 19. A Lambeth Council spokesperson responded by saying: "We are currently assessing the impact of this judgement and determining next steps." The court ruling recieved a cheer from Dunkirk actor Mark Rylance. 6 Residents took Lambeth Council to London's High Court Credit: PA Media 6 Residents have complained that the festival's infrastructure damages the park Credit: Getty Images The Oscar nominated performer said: 'Wonderful news. Brockwell park will be open to all for free again this summer. No walls. No trucks. 'The grass, and trees, and plants will have a chance to recover from the years of abuse. 'Now let's help revive the beloved Lambeth country fair as it used to be, open to all. Congratulations to all who worked so devotedly to achieve this decision. 'Every small victory for nature makes a difference.' However, the event's cancellation is a blow to London's beleaguered events industry. Critics of residents' associations have said that noise complaints have led to the closure of several major London locations. However, in April, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was awarded increased powers to protect the capital's pubs. The Mayor will be able to block councils and residents from shutting down late-night pub and club openings. The increased powers had support from Chancellor Rachel Reeves who said that 'unnecessarily burdensome red tape' was choking London's events industry.
New York Post
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Romantasy' ball blasted as epic scam over false promises, sparse turnout: ‘Fyre Festival of BookTok'
A fantasy romance novel convention quickly went from Velaris to very messy. Romantasy fans — the extremely popular book genre among millennials and Gen Z women that blends fantasy fiction with smutty romance tropes — were baffled when they arrived at the A Million Lives Book Festival in Baltimore on May 2 and 3. What was promoted as an immersive gathering of hundreds of book lovers, dozens of authors and publishers, and themed entertainment quickly devolved into what is being dubbed the 'Fyre Festival of BookTok.' 3 A Million Lives Book Festival sold only around 30 tickets. TikTok/@stephdevourerofbooks Advertisement Organized by Archer Management, A Million Lives promised author panels, romantasy cosplay meet-ups, a costume contest, a content creation room, a vendor hall stocked with new releases and bookish items, and a glistening ball taken right off the pages of Sarah J. Maas. Author and attendee Stephanie Combs mockingly shared a video of her and her friends strutting through the hotel lobby wearing floor-length ball gowns. 'When you're going to a bookish fantasy-themed ball,' she wrote in a TikTok post before showing a sparsely populated convention hall with no decorations. 'And this is what you get.' Advertisement Tables at the event were shockingly empty, with some lazily thrown fake rose petals and books on them. Guests dressed for a ball of epic proportions were sadly disappointed as they idled in the room, which didn't even have the lights dimmed. 'When you gotta laugh so you don't cry,' Stephanie joked. 'A million lives or a million lies? I was an attending author…at least we looked fantastic.' Perci Jay, an author attending the event, showed off the 'absolute chaos' of the ball, which only attendees who bought the most expensive ticket had access to. The affair cost $250 and had no food, with water and drinks for purchase at a cash bar. The only music at the ball was from a small speaker a security guard had on him. Advertisement 'So yes, friends, that means the plan for this ball was for us to stand in the giant empty room, with no food, a cash bar and stand there in silence,' she said on TikTok. Authors looking to sell their books were told that around 600 tickets were sold for the event. 3 The event's music was relegated to a small speaker in the corner. TikTok/@percijay_fantasyauthor Advertisement In reality, only about 30 guests attended. Romance author Kait Disney-Leugers blasted the festival as the 'worst event' she ever attended, adding that she did not make any money at A Million Lives, a huge blow saying authors usually pay for their own tables 'I barely made enough to cover my fucking parking for two days,' Disney-Leugers said in a TikTok, adding that 'It felt like Fyre Fest of book festivals,' referring to the disastrous 2017 music festival whose ritzy advertising ended up being a multi-million dollar scam. 'Advertised as something really awesome, but the actual execution of it was horrible. We were told there were more than 610 tickets sold, I did not see those people.' 3 The event did not deliver on it's promises of a glamorous ball. An author told The Cut that the conference's promise that authors' hotel rooms were comped was not met. Grace Willows, who organized the event, reached out to the author allegedly asking her to pay for her own room at a different hotel. Willows, an author, apologized for the event — which is being compared to the woeful Willy Wonka Glasgow and the scam 'Bridgerton' ball that had stripping fairies instead of Regency waltzes across the ballroom. Advertisement 'I am wanting to issue a formal apology. I do understand that the ball tonight was not set up to standard,' she said in a TikTok video on Sunday. 'There were a lot of issues with getting set up, and it was not handled well. I'd like to apologize. If you would like a refund, please contact me and I will issue a refund immediately.' Archer Management released a statement the next day saying that all attendees will be refunded by May 31.
USA Today
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Fyre Fest of book festivals'? Baltimore's 'A Million Books Festival' draws criticism
'Fyre Fest of book festivals'? Baltimore's 'A Million Books Festival' draws criticism Show Caption Hide Caption Social media slams Million Lives Book Festival Attendees and authors of a Million Lives Book Festival in Baltimore took to social media after they witnessed the lackluster event. A Million Lives Book Festival? More like "A Million Lies," according to some attendees. A romantasy book festival recently held in Baltimore has left some attendees feeling like they experienced the book version of infamous Fyre Festival. Romantasy is a fiction subgenre combining fantasy and romance. The event, held at the Baltimore Convention Center May 2 and May 3, was advertised as the "perfect event to make more bookish friends." Archer Management promised prospective attendees and authors a magical evening complete with a vendor hall, panels, a content creation room, a cosplay competition and a ball. But according to various testimonials posted to TikTok over the weekend, the "A Million Lives Book Festival" was anything but. Disgruntled attendees, many of them authors, said they felt cheated by event organizers, who failed to deliver on most, if not all fronts. Numerous authors, including writer Perci Jay, have spoken up about the things they saw at "A Million Lives Book Festival" on social media, pointing to a lack of clear communication, materials like chairs or water and access to certain billed amenities over the course of the festival. "It felt like Fyre Fest of book festivals. It was advertised as something really awesome and the actual execution of it was horrible," fantasy romance author Kate Disney-Leugers said in a TikTok detailing her experience. "This is my cautionary tale to you, in that, do not ever do this event, go to this event because you'll be ripped off." Here's what we know. Lavender Romance Ball was also an 'absolute mess,' author says Aside from the low turnout and lack of profit, attendees, including authors, said they were especially disappointed by the ball. "I know all of you have seen the ball at this point, but everyone was so shocked about the lack of anything at this ball that no one talked about what actually happened at the ball," Jay said. The venue where the Lavender Romance Ball was slated to take place was bare, with very little decor or sound system. Banquet-esque tables, sparsely decorated with foam rose petals and books, and chairs could also be seen in the conference room. Guests were welcome to feast on a selection of desserts set up at a table but were expected to pay additional amount if they wanted a drink. (Guests who attended the ball paid $250 for a ticket that included access to the event.) "When the ball is discount ballin," one attendee wrote in the caption of a TikTok posted May 4. A convention center security guard dubbed "Speaker Steve" came through for the group, who were milling around in silence by playing music from a speaker he brought from home. Another unsung hero in the situation, according to Jay, was dark fantasy romance author Kalista Neith, who allegedly confronted event organizer Grace Archeron about what an "absolute mess" the ball was and asked her to issue refunds immediately. Archeron's apology video, posted May 4, was filmed about 30 minutes into the ball at the Neith's request, not out of the "goodness of her heart," according to Jay. The latest 'Fyre Festival'? A Denver book expo that drove Rebecca Yarros away Event organizer extends apology, offers refunds Archeron issued a formal apology, not about "A Million Lives Book Festival" as a whole but rather about the Lavender Romance Ball because it was "not set up to standards." "There were a lot of issues with getting set up and it was not set up well," Archeron says in the video. "I want to apologize. If you would like a refund, please contact me and I will issue a refund immediately." Archeron provided an update to attendees who requested a refund on May 6, writing in an Instagram post that they "are currently processing funds as fast as we can." "All refunds will be processed by May 31st," the post reads. "We thank and appreciate you for your patience!" Archer Management did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.
NBC News
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Fantasy ball or Fyre Fest? Attendees describe chaos at Baltimore book event
Dozens of authors and book lovers poured into Baltimore this weekend dressed in glittering gowns, ready for a romance-fantasy book convention that promised a formal 'fantasy ball.' Instead, attendees of the A Million Lives Book Festival said they found themselves standing awkwardly under bright overhead lights in a sparsely decorated space that looked more like a concrete warehouse than a ballroom. Videos of the first-time event quickly gained traction on social media as attendees expressed disappointment at being met with barren rooms, shoddy programming and drastically fewer attendees than promised. 'If the bar for events was on the floor, A Million Lives Festival sent the bar straight to hell,' said Perci Jay, a romantic fantasy author who attended. 'We had no signage directing us around the convention center, no decorations, no badges — nothing to signal that our event was even happening. I was shocked and bewildered constantly because every 30 minutes, something else went horribly wrong.' The gathering last Friday and Saturday at the Baltimore Convention Center became the latest event to go viral online for its disastrous planning, joining the ranks of the widely mocked Fyre Fest, the Willy Wonka-themed 'Chocolate Experience' in Glasgow and the "Bridgerton"-inspired ball in Detroit. Grace Willows, the organizer of the event, issued an apology on her event planning company's social media pages this week. 'I do understand that the ball tonight was not set up to standards,' Willows said on TikTok. 'There were a lot of issues with getting set up and it was not set up well. I want to apologize.' Archer Management, the event planning company behind the festival, said in an Instagram post on Monday that all refunds should be processed by May 31. Willows did not respond to a request for comment. But some attendees, including Jay, say that a refund wouldn't be enough to cover for the financial hit they took just getting to the event. After spending more than $2,000 on flights, event fees and food for the weekend, Jay said she flew from Texas to Baltimore (which required 'tremendous effort,' as she's pregnant with twins) only to realize she and her friends had been 'completely misled' about the event they had been anticipating for a year and a half. The festival had been advertised online as 'the perfect event to make more bookish friends,' teasing a vendor hall, speaker panels, a content creation room and a cosplay competition. Tickets ranged from $50 to $250. Upon arrival, however, several attendees who spoke to NBC News said the only decorations in the room were pink flower petals lined along the tables. In lieu of the planned DJ, one small portable speaker played music from someone's phone. The promised 'content creation room' was just an empty room. Badges and swag bags were mysteriously lost. And due to an absence of chairs and tables, some panel speakers and audience members found themselves sitting on the floor. Several attendees said they were told by Willows that 500-600 tickets had been sold. The exact total number of attendees is unclear. But those who spoke to NBC News estimated less than 100 people showed up, leaving many authors — who had to order books in bulk and pay fees for tables to sell them at — eating their losses and scrambling to ship their unsold books back home. When reached for comment, a spokesperson for the Baltimore Convention Center directed NBC News to a social media exchange between an attendee and the venue's director of sales, Krystine Bussiere, in response to accusations that the convention center was responsible for losing event supplies such as swag bags and snacks. 'I can tell you that we didn't receive information from the event organizer about missing boxes from the event,' Bussiere wrote in an email. 'I checked in multiple times with show management and heard nothing but positive comments about how things were going on-site.' In the aftermath, attendees banded together online to share their experience and petition for answers. Some people created a page online to solicit public support for the financial recovery of authors who 'were left with financial debt due to flights, hotels, shipping their merchandise, and table fees only to be mislead by the turnout of the event.' Author Stephanie Combs, who decided to attend the festival after seeing social media posts advertising it more than a year ago, said she bought eight boxes of books to sell and left with six still full. Instead of the packed convention that she expected, Combs estimated that only about 50 attendees dotted the 'ginormous dungeon' of a room. 'I feel like I vacillated between tears and laughter the rest of the night, because it just felt so unbelievable to me that someone would set this up and think that it was an acceptable ball,' Combs said. 'There's no music, there's no decorations other than a few scattered rose petals. And you just have a bunch of people in a room, you know, eating a couple pieces of chocolate.' Carmen Seantel, a narrator who moderated a panel, said she had to hold the talk in a room with 'no chairs, no tables, nothing.' She said the eight panelists and 15 to 25 audience members ended up sitting on the floor for the hourlong panel without any microphones or air conditioning. 'I took time off work, took time away from scheduled family events to attend this fest- it's not a festival, to attend this FIASCO. As bad as that might seem, it is NOTHING compared to the thousands of dollars authors lost,' Seantel wrote in an email. 'I want to highlight that this event financially crippled 100+ independent authors. I know some authors planned family events, book releases, and other things around THIS. But for what?'
