Croatian Festival Premiere Postponed

Obonjan Riviera, the company bearing the concession for the island, and the team of organizers around Sound Channel’s Dan Blackledge originally planned to welcome guests from July 28. But the opening date was moved to Aug. 3 as the island had no running water and power. While that problem seems to have been solved, “as a result of these set-backs, we now have to go through rigorous testing to ensure the upmost safety and comfort for our guests.

As such, we require an extra two days to complete these works and are confirming our opening date for Friday 5th August,” an official statement reads. The delay of the festival’s opening was only communicated early July 27, a day before launch. The helpline that has been established since then was generally received positively, judging by social media comments.

The festival is promoted by Sound Channel, the team that’s also behind another Croatian festival, Hideout. The company secured a 45-year lease on the island of Obonjan.

A spokesperson for Obonjan informed Pollstar that organizers were currently in talks with artists and other contributors to the overall program to try and reschedule gigs wherever possible. Besides music, the festival is also offering comedy, cinema, food & drinks, workshops and art on its bill. “It has been an ambitious project from day one, including having to build much of the island’s infrastructure from scratch. We truly believed we could deliver this in time, however unforeseen challenges have forced us to postpone for another two days,” the statement continues.

Visitors are given the choice of rebooking their stay or getting a refund. Organizers are confident that Aug. 5 will indeed mark the start of Obonjan. “We greatly appreciate the on-going support the project has received since being announced, and for people’s understanding whilst we overcome these setbacks.”