Festival-goers urged to get refunds after shock cancellation of Wild Roots 2024

Festival-goers were left shocked and out-of-pocket as major Irish festival Wild Roots was cancelled just a week before it was scheduled to go ahead.

Following the cancellation announced by 'heartbroken' organisers, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is urging ticket holders to use their consumer rights to request a refund.

The music festival was due to take place in Hazelwood, Co Sligo from this Friday until Monday, June 3.

Grainne Griffin, director of communications at CCPC, said: “Whether you’re buying a product or service, you’re entitled to a refund if you don’t get what you paid for – and once you make this clear to the seller, they must refund you in full within 14 days.

“Refunds should be processed without delay. To get the process underway consumers should write to Wild Roots by email or letter and request a refund. Consumers should include details that will assist the trader in easily identifying them and their purchase as well as explicitly stating that they want to be fully reimbursed for their purchase.”

Organisers of the family-friendly festival, who had stars such as Damien Dempsey, The Academic and Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones lined up to perform over the June bank holiday weekend, issued a statement saying: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the cancellation of Wild Roots 2024. 

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to proceed with this year’s event. Please know, we have done everything in our power to make it happen, but unfortunately, it is not possible now.”

They have said that the refund process will start on June 22 for all ticket-holders.