Bluedot has issued a thank you statement to festivalgoers and workers for their cooperation after “unprecedented rainfall” lead to cancellations.
Cheshire’s multi award-winning celebration of music, science, and cosmic culture once again took over the grounds of the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory this past weekend, with Grace Jones, Pavement, Roisin Murphy, Max Richter, and Leftfield among the names gracing the stage and entertaining the masses over the three-day festival.
But in case you hadn’t heard, it was a bit of a wash-out.
While we’re no stranger to heavy showers in Greater Manchester and the North West, it’s fair to say July has been a particularly soggy affair, and none more so than this past weekend – with torrential rain coming down thick and fast for basically two days straight.
Of course, with rain that heavy falling all across the region, it was expected that some disruption would be caused to pre-planned outdoor events, but after continuous hours of showers throughout Saturday, Bluedot organisers deemed it to be an “unprecedented rainfall”, and were forced into the “heartbreaking decision” of denying entry for day ticketholders on the final day of the festival.
The festival urged Sunday day ticketholders “please do not travel” to the event.
In an official statement issued last Sunday morning, organisers said: “It has been determined that while muddy, the arena ground condition allows us to go ahead with our plans for today’s programme – but only for people already here at the festival.
“We’ve had an unprecedented amount of rainfall over the past seven days that has seen the water level reach saturation point during the night, rendering our day ticket holder car park, pick-up and drop-off point and entrances impassable due to standing water.”
Staff at the festival worked hard through the night to deal with the situation, but conceded that it had “reached the point where it was not possible to accommodate further audience vehicles on site”.
Ticket refunds are to be issued, the festival confirmed.
Bluedot issues thank you statement after torrential rain leads to ‘heartbreaking’ cancellations / Credit: bluedot (via Facebook)
Now, a few days after the 2023 edition of the festival has drawn to a close, Bluedot has issued another statement to “celebrate” all the attendees, workers, teams and organisations, and volunteers “who made sure the show could go on”, and has thanked them for their support and continued cooperation across the weekend.
“bluedot 2023 was able to take place as the result of an extraordinary effort from a huge variety of tirelessly hard-working teams and organisations committed to your happiness and wellbeing,” the festival said in its thank you statement.
The festival admitted that, without all of these people, “bluedot would be just an idea”, and are responsible for making attendees’ experiences “come to life”.
The Cheshire-based festival experienced an “unprecedented amount of rainfall” / Credit: bluedot (via Facebook)
The statement continues: “Most of all, we must thank you – our wonderful bluedot explorers – who, despite everything, waded through mud to surf the cosmic waves to achieve something against the odds; an amazing collective action to make fun, wonder and joy our world, just for a few days. We deeply appreciate the support we have received, both on site and online. The community of music, science and culture fans we are so fortunate to host, has come together stronger than ever.
“Our sincere apologies again to those who could not join us on the last day, which was a heartbreaking decision.
“Having had a chance now to see the extent of the challenges we faced, we hope you understand our predicament and our reasoning. We are happy to share the update that all our ticket agents have now confirmed Sunday ticketholders will receive refunds directly within five days.”
Bluedot closed out its statement confirming that an FAQs page has been set up for anybody who is expecting a refund, and that it will be pushing back its planned onsale of 2024 tickets until it has dealt with all refunds.
Royel Otis add second Manchester date due to massive demand
Danny Jones
Australian indie pop group Royel Otis have announced a second Manchester date ahead of their upcoming UK tour due to a huge demand for tickets.
The Aussie duo, who have blown up in the past couple of years with tracks like ‘Oysters In My Pocket’ and two viral covers of Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Cranberries, are due to play a massive Manchester gig later this year.
Set to make their O2 Victoria Warehouse debut this winter, the ‘Sofa King’ singers saw their ticket allocation sell out quicker than you can say ‘Going Kokomo’.
As a result, there was only one thing for it:
Due to demand, @RoyelOtis have just added an extra date at Manchester @O2VicWarehouse in November! 🔥
For anyone still unaware of the rising alt-pop outfit led by frontman Otis Pavlovic and Royel Maddell (hence the name), they began breaking onto the scene around 2022 after having released a couple of tracks the year prior.
Although they quickly gained support back in their home country, their presence over here and indeed around the world was helped no end after their tripleJ take on ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ and stripped-back version of ‘Linger’ for SiriusXM hit the internet.
They even managed to land a feature on EA FC 24 – formerly known as FIFA – and we all know how getting on that soundtrack can transform careers.
Since then, their following has grown exponentially, and the rising double act has booked major festival slots such over the past 12 months or so, playing the likes of Kendal Calling, Glastonbury, as well as Reading and Leeds, just to name a few.
Regardless, fervent fans haven’t seen their clamour disappear, and now the band have announced an extra date at Victoria Warehouse.
Now set to play the venue on Friday AND Saturday, 28-29 November 2025, they will be supported by an opening act with a cool UK connection: Still Blank.
The transatlantic outfit is made up of Jordy is from Hawaii, and Ben, from right here in Manchester; the two come together to make what Stereogum has described as “sullen folk-grunge” – yet more reason for locals to be interested in the gig.
Once again, while the first gig has sold out, you can grab your tickets for Royel Otis’ second Manchester show HERE.
There’s a VR K-pop experience coming to a cinema in Manchester
Thomas Melia
A VR experience dedicated to a much-loved K-pop group, ENHYPEN, is making its way to a cinema screen in Manchester this Autumn.
After a stellar performance at AO Arena in Manchester earlier this week, a VR experience dedicated to K-pop group ENHYPEN is coming to a cinema screen in the city centre.
This upcoming experience with the fitting name ‘IMMERSION’, will mark the K-pop group’s first ever VR concert and is premiering across the globe, including right here in Manchester.
Featuring all-new performances, this pre-recorded concert experience allows you the chance to immerse yourself in never-before-seen content that has been specifically produced for VR.
This cinematic concert concept allows fans the chance to watch their favourite live bands and acts up close and personal without having to break the bank.
Made in partnership with Amaze, one of the world’s leading immersive concert creators, previous performers include fellow K-pop acts Aespa, Tomorrow X Together and KAI, as well as rap megastar Megan Thee Stallion.
Get ready to sing your heart out or ‘Scream’ as loud as you can when ENHYPEN take to the screen as they’re expected to perform all their usual classics, including ‘XO (Only If You Say Yes)’ and ‘Bad Desire (With or Without You)’.
If you’re worried about missing your chance to get ‘Loose’, don’t worry, because these seven K-pop stars will be on cinema screens for nine consecutive dates throughout September.
K-pop boy band ENHYPEN took to the AO Arena in Manchester earlier this week (Credit: BELIFT LAB)
This exclusive ENHYPEN VR concert experience is coming to none other than international cinema chain Odeon, which will be screening this event at one of its prime Manc locations: The Trafford Centre.
ENHYPEN are bringing ‘IMMERSION’, their first-ever VR concert experience, to Odeon Trafford Centre in Manchester from 19 September until 28 September.
You’ll catch us there ‘No Doubt’ – more information HERE.
In the meantime, why not read our review of ENHYPEN’s recent Manchester show, which served as yet more proof that we need to get properly into K-pop.
Emily Sergeant -
26th July 2023 
