In a disappointing turn of events, the 2024 edition of Nocturnal Wonderland, one of California’s longest-running electronic dance music festivals, has been officially cancelled.
The devastating Line Fire, which has been ravaging Southern California, is the reason behind the cancellation, as confirmed by the event organizers, Insomniac Events.
Originally set to take place on September 14-15 at the Glen Helen Regional Park in San Bernardino, the festival had major electronic music acts lined up, including Kaskade, RL Grime, San Holo, and Jessica Audiffred. However, with wildfires rapidly spreading and threatening the festival site, Insomniac made the tough decision to prioritize the safety of attendees and staff.
The Impact of the Line Fire
The Line Fire, which broke out late last week, has already scorched over 26,000 acres in San Bernardino County and is only 5% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. With 36,000 structures at risk and evacuation warnings issued for nearby communities, the situation has become too dangerous for any large-scale events in the area.
In a statement released by Insomniac Events, they explained:
“While Nocturnal Wonderland was cleared to move forward at the time of our last update, we are saddened to inform you that new fires in the San Bernardino area have ignited over the past 36 hours and are now approaching the Glen Helen Amphitheater. The health and safety of festival attendees and staff is our highest priority.”
Refunds and Next Steps
For ticket-holders, Insomniac has announced that they will soon receive an email detailing the refund process. The company expressed their deep regret over the situation but reiterated that safety must come first. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fires throughout San Bernardino and Southern California,” the statement continued, adding that the focus should now be on ensuring local resources are dedicated to controlling the wildfires and protecting nearby communities.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a State of Emergency in San Bernardino County, allowing for federal assistance in dealing with the wildfire’s effects. The blaze is expected to grow significantly in the coming days, making any large gatherings, including festivals like Nocturnal Wonderland, untenable.
A Blow to Festival-Goers and Artists
The cancellation is a major blow to both festival-goers and the artists who were scheduled to perform. Nocturnal Wonderland, with its rich history dating back to 1995, is a key event in the electronic dance music scene. Fans and artists alike had been eagerly anticipating the festival’s return this year, making the decision all the more heartbreaking.
Despite this setback, Insomniac is already working on providing alternatives for fans and promises to keep everyone updated on future plans. As Southern California continues to battle the wildfires, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all involved.
H/T: EDM.com
