Rolling Loud Australia Abruptly Cancels 2026 Festival Just Days Before Kick-Off
In a shocking turn of events, the international hip-hop festival Rolling Loud has cancelled its highly anticipated two-day Australian event mere days before it was scheduled to begin, leaving thousands of concertgoers frustrated and deeply disappointed. The late decision has sparked outrage among fans, with some branding it an "absolute joke" and criticising organisers for pulling the plug so close to the start date.
Leaked Email and Official Confirmation Spark Widespread Disappointment
On Friday, reports began circulating widely that a leaked email to ticketholders had confirmed the shows would no longer proceed. The events were set to take place at Sydney's Centennial Park on March 7 and Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse on March 8. Later that afternoon, Rolling Loud officially confirmed the rumours in a detailed statement shared on its website and Facebook page, expressing that they were "really disappointed" to announce the cancellation of the Sydney and Melbourne events.
The statement attributed the cancellation to issues with their local partner, Primuse Entertainment, claiming that the company "failed to meet critical payment deadlines and related obligations." It further explained, "These ongoing delays left us without the necessary guarantees so close to the event. We will not compromise the safety or experience of our fans, artists, and vendors." This move underscores the festival's commitment to maintaining high standards, even at the cost of cancelling the event.
Refunds and Fan Reactions Highlight the Impact
All ticket holders will be entitled to a full refund, with further details to be provided by the event organiser and official ticketing partners. The notice concluded with a poignant message: "This one hurts." On social media platforms like Facebook, users expressed their dismay, with some saying they were "heartbroken" by the news. One commenter remarked, "Very disappointed but not surprised," reflecting a sense of scepticism given the festival's turbulent history in Australia.
Historical Context and Future Uncertainties
Rolling Loud made its Australian debut in 2019, featuring a star-studded lineup including Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, Tyga, Smokepurpp, and local favourite Manu Crook$. After a planned return in 2024 was indefinitely postponed, organisers announced a comeback in October 2025 for 2026, adopting a new two-day format. The 2026 lineup was set to include prominent artists such as Gunna, Ken Carson, Sexyy Red, Tyla, Swae Lee, Lil Tjay, Quavo, Hooligan Hefs, YNG Martyr, and more, with a dedicated local stage highlighting Australian and New Zealand hip-hop talent.
This cancellation raises questions about the festival's future in Australia and the reliability of partnerships in the event industry. 7NEWS.com.au has reached out to Primuse Entertainment for comment, but no response has been received at this time. As fans await their refunds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing large-scale music events in the current economic climate.
