A large-scale festival in Sweden has already decided to cancel its 2018 event amid reports of rape and sexual assaults on the grounds at this year’s installment over the weekend.
The Bråvalla festival held June 28 – July 1, which started in 2013 and attracts 40,000 people, released an official statement that sadly terminates next year’s event following these allegations. While the festival seemed to be an overall success, with headlining acts such as Alesso, The Chainsmokers, and Martin Garrix, the festival organizers aren’t willing to sacrifice the safety of attendees for entertainment.
In an official statement (roughly translated to English) the music festival stated: “There are no words for how incredibly sad we are over this, and we want to regret and condemn it to the most serious. It’s not okay. We do not accept it at our festival.”
Despite attempting to provide a safe environment, Bråvalla has experienced these reoccurring sex crimes: “We have seen it at our and other festivals in recent years and it is a huge social problem that affects every part of our society. Definitely not just festivals. Hundred rapes are committed every day in Sweden and it is a challenge society in general needs to deal with. We are working actively to eradicate the darkness — everyone exposed to crime should receive the support and help they want and need.”
Although Bråvalla has decided to not move forward in 2018, the fight to combat sexual assaults won’t stop: “We will continue to work together for a better world. We hope you are with us in it. Let’s take care of each other, choke hatred and violence, and let the music win.”
Sources: Bråvalla, The Local | Image via Bråvalla