Pemberton Fest Still Possible

While Live Nation is apparently still interested in producing another edition of the Pemberton Festival in rural British Columbia, the promoter has voiced concerns regarding alcohol sales and security costs that hindered the previous event.

Shane Bourbonnais, president of talent for LN’s international music division recently explained in a letter to the village of Pemberton that the festival needs to be “financially viable for all parties involved.”

The letter, obtained by the Whistler Question, explained that for the inaugural fest, LN “experienced costs and regulations that made it impossible for a world class festival to survive.

“We have had many conversations about the cost of policing, which in 2008 was the most expensive policing cost for Live Nation for any festival that we have produced globally,” he wrote, adding “liquor regulations, red tape and difficulty in obtaining the proper liquor permits that we experienced in 2008 were incredibly frustrating.

“Our request is simple: we would like to operate the festival with liquor being served all over the site without having to set up beer gardens.”

Bourbonnais also noted the festival site lacked water and power, and said he supported a proposed school development near the grounds that could help bring “much needed infrastructure and cost savings” should the event return.

Pemberton Mayor Jordan Sturdy, who previously sought out of an exclusive memorandum of understanding with Live Nation to pave the way for a new festival promoter, told the Question he viewed the letter positively.

“It wasn’t as definitive as I would’ve hoped, but it was unsolicited, so there’s interest out there,” Study said.

In 2008, the multi-day fest drew about 40,000 concertgoers to see acts including Jay-Z, Coldplay, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Nine Inch Nails.