Why Was The Woodstock 50 Music Festival Canceled?

Woodstock 50 organizers have announced that the music festival has been canceled. Woodstock 50 was the 50^th anniversary of the music festival that featured a lineup of stars including Jay Z, Miley Cyrus, Chance the Rapper, Imagine Dragons, Carlos Santana, Halsey, and acts from the very first Woodstock.

While tickets for the music festival were supposed to go on sale on April 22, the sale of tickets was postponed due to permit issues with the New York State Department of Health, TMZ reported. Following the delay, Woodstock 50 organizer, Dentsu Aegis Network, announced on Monday the festival would be canceled.

In a statement, Dentsu said, “It’s a dream for agencies to work with iconic brands and to be associated with meaningful movements. We have a strong history of producing experiences that bring people together around common interests and causes which is why we chose to be a part of the Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival.

“But despite our tremendous investment of time, effort and commitment, we don’t believe the production of the festival can be executed as an event worthy of the Woodstock Brand name while also ensuring the health and safety of the artists, partners and attendees.

“As a result and after careful consideration, Dentsu Aegis Network’s Amplifi Live, a partner of Woodstock 50, has decided to cancel the festival. As difficult as it is, we believe this is the most prudent decision for all parties involved.”

The festival’s promoter, Michael Lang, told TMZ that the announcement by Dentsu comes as a “complete surprise” and they are not giving up on holding the festival just yet.

The Woodstock 50 music festival was scheduled to run from Aug. 16 to 18 in Watkins Glen, New York. The site of the original Woodstock, Bethel, New York, will still hold a 50^th-anniversary event.