Splendor Cancelled: Second Year Running - A Total Disaster (and What We Learned)
Ugh, talk about a bummer. For the second year in a row, the Splendor music festival got cancelled. Last year, it was COVID, this year? Some crazy bureaucratic snafu involving permits and… I still don’t fully understand it. Honestly, I’m still salty about it. It was supposed to be my big year, you know?
I'd been looking forward to Splendor in the Grass for months. Months! I’d already bought my tickets, booked my accommodation – a cute little Airbnb with a hammock, no less – and even started planning my festival outfits. I envisioned myself, basking in the sun, dancing to my favorite bands, you know? The whole shebang. Then, bam. Cancellation email. My carefully curated festival aesthetic? Worn only at home, sadly.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Cancelled Festivals
Let me tell you, the emotional whiplash was intense. First, denial. "They're kidding, right? It's gotta be a mistake." Then, anger. Pure, unadulterated rage directed at whoever was responsible for this mess. Followed by disappointment, so profound it felt physical. My whole summer had been built around this. Poof. Gone.
Then came the practical stuff. Getting a refund wasn't exactly a walk in the park. It took ages. And the Airbnb? Forget about getting my money back on that. My carefully planned outfits and the money spent on everything? I felt like I'd been robbed.
Lessons Learned (the hard way)
This whole ordeal, though incredibly frustrating, did teach me some valuable lessons. And, look, I'm sharing them with you so you don't have to suffer the same fate:
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Travel Insurance: This is the number one thing I learned. I'm usually pretty cheap, but I'll be buying comprehensive travel insurance from now on. It's worth the cost, believe me. It might cover some of the expenses for unforeseen circumstances.
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Read the Fine Print: I admit I kinda skimmed the T&Cs last year. Big mistake. This year, I paid closer attention, but even that didn't help. Read every single word of any contract related to a festival or event.
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Don't Book Everything At Once: This year, I was over-eager. I booked everything super early. Next time? I'll wait a little longer. I might even book my accommodation closer to the actual dates.
More Than Just a Festival; It's a Community
Splendor isn't just about the music; it's about the community. The friends I've made there over the years. The memories. The vibes. It’s all part of this festival's magic. To have this experience ruined, twice, is seriously heartbreaking.
It’s made me realize how much festivals mean to me. They're not just about concerts; they're about community. There is an element of community that many people appreciate and enjoy. It's about connecting with others who share your passions. That's something I’ll need to find a way to do.
Looking Ahead
Next year? I'm still on the fence. Part of me wants to give Splendor another shot; another chance. A part of me feels like I should try a different festival altogether. Something smaller, maybe? Either way, I'll definitely be better prepared. More organized. And definitely with travel insurance.
This whole thing totally sucked, no doubt about it. But hey, life throws curveballs, right? And this experience, awful as it was, has taught me some valuable lessons. Let's hope next year brings better luck and better organization on Splendor's end! What a disaster, huh?