Sorry Bez! Main stage issues 'step on' Days Like These music festival

Monday 27 June 2022

A summer music festival due to welcome James, Gentleman's Dub Club and the Happy Mondays has had to be cancelled.

Organisers of Days Like These, which was scheduled to host 5,000 people at Val de la Mare on 10 July, said the "show-stopping decision" was inevitable after they "lost the booking of the main stage structure that was set to come across from the UK."

"Upon hearing of this complete shock to our plans, we have spent the last few days relentlessly trying to source a replacement, only to learn that there is nothing suitable that is available at such short notice that would be able to host the large tour parties of JAMES, SOUL II SOUL, HAPPY MONDAYS and GENTLEMAN’S DUB CLUB," they informed ticket-holders.

They continued: "Without a suitable stage, we simply have no capability to run the event. We are so frustrated to be unable to deliver this event in 2022, due to the unforeseen circumstances above.

"We would like to thank everyone for showing their ongoing support towards this new event, even in these challenging times. We have every intention of returning with DAYS LIKE THESE next summer, when the landscape for events and the supply chain is more settled."

Apologising to affected islanders and offering a refund within 14 days, Days Like These added: "We're simply gutted and cant express how much we wanted to make this event as special as it was meant to be."

Led by Warren Le Sueur, the team behind Days Like These also runs Out There festival and the Weekender.

Commenting on Facebook, Mr Le Sueur said: "Gutted... to say the least... This was going to be amazing with what we had planned... So... right now, we have to turn our immediate attention towards making Out There and Weekender the best events that everybody will expect from us all... Thanks for all the messages of support since this announcement..."

Scores of islanders have since shared their disappointment at the cancellation and hopes that it will be able to return nexdt year.

"Gutted for all involved as this was a superb line up coming to Jersey but totally out of your hands. Keep flying the flag with top notch events and hope next year this event goes ahead," said Ross Hunter.

"Thank you for your hard work & trying everything to make this happen. So devastated for you all .. ( and us of course). See you all next year," Julia Daynes commented.

Alison Byatt added: "Gutted but hope next year comes back bigger and better!"