UPDATE: GlasGael since our attempts to contact them have sent an email to those that have purchased tickets to sort out refunds. They say “it’s with a heavy heart” that they cancel the festival. Blaming the “current geopolitical turmoil, increased costs in the industry, and the ongoing cost of living crisis”.
A Glasgow Irish music festival boasting a major lineup has been cancelled weeks before its May bank holiday opening, Byron’s Blether can reveal.
Yet its website remains live and is still accepting ticket purchases.
GlasGael, due to take place at Glasgow Green on 2–3 May, had attracted a stellar bill including headliners The High Kings, Derek Ryan, The Tumbling Paddies and The Whistlin’ Donkeys, alongside Liam McGrandles, Sharon Shannon, Frances Black, Mary Coughlan and Mundy.
Multiple acts have confirmed they have been told the event is off, whilst the organiser has quietly deleted all social media accounts with no public announcement.
Despite this, the GlasGael website remains active and is continuing to take payments from members of the public who may be unaware the festival no longer exists.
Documents obtained under Freedom of Information reveal that Festival HQ Limited – the company behind the event – failed to pay for a Temporary Public Entertainment licence, leaving Glasgow City Council’s Licensing Authority unable to process the application. The fee has since been paid, according to a council statement.
Festival HQ Limited did not respond to a request for comment.