Heatwave has posted a statement regarding the festival’s troubled year in 2012. As the Facebook status notes, Heatwave’s name has remerged in the media with the cancellation of Movement Festival and the ongoing troubles with Supafest.
The statement defends festival promoters attempting to put together line-ups built around international hip hop acts before going on to explain some of the behind-the-scene issues that plagued Heatwave 2012 in South Australia.
Heatwave points the finger at Alexandrina Council and local police for having a “vicious change in heart” and misleading the local Aboriginal community that the festival would take place on scared land.
Heatwave goes on to explain that following the council’s actions a legal battle ensued over the issuing of a liquor licence that cost the festival in excess of $40,000 while promoters faced the threat of being arrested.
Perhaps the biggest headline at the time of Heatwave 2012 in South Australia was a headlining act D12 missing their flight and thus not performing. Heatwave writes that the festival has filed a lawsuit against the rap group for breach of contract.
The post states that the intention of Heatwave in SA was to bring international hip hop acts to a regional area where youth suicide was an issue and there were few recreational options for young people.
Heatwave concludes its statement with the promise of another, probably to adress other issues such as failing to obtain a liquor licence in Melbourne, and heeds the public to be mindful of the struggles festival promoters face and to not lose faith in hip hop festivals in Australia.
