Hey Neighbour Festival officially cancelled
Hey Neighbour music festival have announced the cancellation of this year’s highly anticipated edition.
Zuko Komisa
The organisers of the Hey Neighbour music festival, which had aimed to become Africa’s premier global entertainment event, have announced the cancellation of this year’s highly anticipated edition.
The decision was made to allow adequate time for securing an exceptional artist line-up and the necessary funding, with the festival now firmly set to return in 2026.
Glen Netshipise, a spokesperson for the festival, stated that the shift was essential to “build an experience that truly captures the event’s signature spirit of community and connection.”
He explained that rushing the process under “current constraints would compromise the very heart of what makes this event special,” assuring fans that the postponement is a “difficult but necessary decision” to ensure a “spectacular celebration in 2026.”
History of the Festival
The inaugural Hey Neighbour Festival made a significant splash on the South African music scene in December 2023, setting up at the Legends Adventure Farm in Pretoria.
The festival was launched with the ambitious vision of building a world-renowned, African-produced music event that would put the continent back on the global stage.
Its “neighbourhood block party” ethos was focused on unity, inclusivity, and transforming “strangers into neighbours” through music and culture.
The debut event delivered on its promise of a global line-up, featuring major international headliners such as Kendrick Lamar, Swedish House Mafia, Khalid, and H.E.R. alongside a strong roster of local and African talent.
Information for Ticket Holders
Organisers have committed to a clear and flexible process for all current ticket holders. All purchasers will be contacted directly via email with detailed options. Crucially, there is no deadline to request a refund.
Ticket holders have the option to keep their tickets, which will be automatically made valid for the next festival in 2026. For those seeking a refund, the process is as follows:
- Transferred Tickets: The refund will be processed directly to the current ticket holder.
- Allocated Tickets: The refund will be returned to the original purchaser.
- Complimentary Tickets: Free tickets are not eligible for a refund.
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