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.
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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“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.
Jimmy Bradbury, Reuben Haycocks, Aoife Anson O’Connell, and Paddy Murphy – better known together as Westside Cowboy – formed back in 2023 when they were students at the Royal Northern College of Music, so while they may not all be from Manchester, they definitely have the spirit of our city at the heart of everything they do.
After playing in different bands across the city throughout their student years, the four-piece joined forces to create Westside Cowboy – an indie rock collective credited with self-coining the genre of ‘Britainicana’.
Put simply, Britainicana is a cultural concept that mixes the hazy, mythic feel of American country and folk, with the sound of raw British punk, indie rock, and small-town life.
Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On / Credit: Clementine Schniedermann (Press Shots – Supplied)
If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll be pleased to know that Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On, to the world today (21 August).
And the reception from critics, arguably, couldn’t be better.
Prior to the release of their debut album, the band had released two EPs, including So Much Country ‘Till We Get There in January earlier this year, and had started to make a name for themselves with their popular debut single ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’ in 2024.
They went onto make even further waves when they supported equally-rising American rock band Geese on their UK and Irish tour back in March – with many fans calling it one of the best support and main act combinations in some time.
Three singles from their debut album were shared with the world ahead of its release – ‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’ came first, followed by ‘Pin Up Boys’ and ‘Dobro’.
So, it’s fair to say the anticipation for album was high… and if the reviews are anything to go by (which we think they are), it looks like the band has very much delivered what they set out to achieve.
Westside Cowboy’s debut album It Goes On is now available to stream, or you can purchase a physical copy in a range of formats from their website here.
Take a listen👇
Featured Image – Press Shot (Supplied)
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BBC Introducing LIVE is back with events across the North for grassroots music artists
Emily Sergeant
BBC Introducing’s flagship live event will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators this autumn.
To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent across the country, BBC Introducing LIVE will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels, and networking opportunities for grassroots artists, DJs, and music creators, all at the start of their careers.
Introducing LIVE will head across the UK, including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester.
The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp is an invite-only event offering an ‘unparalleled’ experience for artists and creatives to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals in a real music studio.
Then, on Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK – with independent music venues The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto all taking part.
While up in Sunderland, following the success of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there earlier this year, a special takeover event will take place at The Fire Station – with a day of panels, workshops, open mics, and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.
Other northern cities hosting events during this year’s programme are Gateshead, and major music city Liverpool.
Many successful artists, including the North’s very-own Sam Fender, as well as big names like Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, and Loyle Carner, all began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.
“Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet,” commented Kelly Betts, who is the Editor of BBC Introducing.
“BBC Introducing will be at events, panels, and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”
Emily Sergeant -
26th July 2023 
