You & Me festival cancelled after falling victim to low ticket sales for NYE event in Bunbury

Bunbury’s hotly promised New Year’s Eve festival has been cancelled just six weeks out.

You & Me has become the second music festival cancelled in Bunbury this year, with organisers citing low ticket sales as one of the causes.

It was set to take place at Hay Park in the final three days of December, with Soulja Boy, The Veronicas and Ruel all announced as part of the line-up.

But the planned inaugural event was officially axed on Friday, with a message posted on the festival’s social media accounts — which have since had all content deleted, except the announcement.

“Unfortunately I wasn’t able to put on the show you all deserve,” the message read.

“I explored every possible avenue for the festival to go ahead, however unfortunately it was just not possible.”

The Herald understands one of the international artists pulled out after finding out they could not get into the country, while rising costs, insurance and low ticket sales are some of the other reasons behind the decision.

The organisers told the Herald they were devastated about having to make the decision.

All ticket holders are told they would receive a refund if they purchased tickets through Humanitix and Tixel.

Bunbury mayor Jaysen Miguel said the city was disappointed the festival organisers pulled the plug, but they respected the tough decision.

“The $40,000 allocated in funding support for this event has been redirected back into round two of the City’s grant program, which is currently open for applications,” he said.

“It is disappointing another significant event has been cancelled in our region, but we are optimistic organisers are looking at ways they can make their events sustainable and viable, and that more will be held in Bunbury in the future.

“While it is not necessarily the role of local government to organise events of this nature, we will continue to support initiatives, activities and events that contribute to activation, connection and culture in our community through our grants program.”

The festival cancellation is the second which has impacted the city since the start of the year, after the organisers of Groovin’ The Moo cancelled their regional tour, blaming low ticket sales for their decision shortly after releasing them.