Controversial RnB summer festival Juicy Fest has cancelled its New Zealand dates, with organisers blaming an alleged “intentional” effort to stop it from going ahead amid licensing troubles.

The four-date, one-day festival featuring the likes of Ludacris, Akon and Jay Sean was scheduled to hit Tauranga, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch early next month.

Ticketholders received emails on Friday announcing the cancellation, saying the refund process was being worked through and offering transfers to the Australian leg of the tour that would “go ahead as planned”.

In a separate email viewed by the Herald to suppliers from event promoters Timeless Group, a spokesperson wrote the festival had been cancelled due to “targeted efforts” to debilitate it.

They wrote they were “absolutely gutted” having to contact key stakeholders with the news.

The spokesperson claimed opposition to gaining licences around the country had been the main problem.

“As of Thursday night, Juicy Fest New Zealand only held a special licence for Tauranga, making it hard to progress further with other shows,” they said.

“Juicy Fest has faced tough opposition from authorities and police in running our event in New Zealand”.

The spokesperson also revealed the Auckland event had its special licence opposed by authorities.

“In our opinion, this has felt intentional to put a stop to Juicy Fest New Zealand. We fought this opposition and appeared at a hearing with the DLC.

“Our efforts to oppose the decision to not grant our special licence were unsuccessful and although we have appealed this, this appeal cannot be heard until after the Juicy Fest Tour is scheduled to end”.

Another issue highlighted by parties opposed to the event included reports of anti-social behaviour.

Three police officers were assaulted and 12 people were arrested after “several disorder events” during this year’s Juicy Fest concert in Auckland.

Six people were arrested for fighting and disorderly behaviour at the Wellington event, with Juicy Fest founder Glenn Meikle apologising for “a small number of undesirables [who] ruined the experience”.

The Timeless Group spokesperson said the team had previously secured a new, licensed venue for Juicy Fest Auckland to ensure they could still deliver Juicy Fest as expected.

“This week, we have been told by the new venue that they have faced pressure from police to withdraw their premises from being available to Juicy Fest Auckland”.

A hearing for the festival’s special licence in Wellington was scheduled this week, but the spokesperson said they are yet to hear the outcome.

“This leaves us with uncertainty and the inability to move forward with the event at such a late time”.

It was mentioned that the company would be working through the refund process “in the coming weeks”.

“We of course feel for all of those who have supported Juicy Fest New Zealand and made plans to attend one of the shows in New Zealand,” the spokesperson said.

An official statement from Timeless Group to the Herald said the situation was “not the outcome we had hoped for or expected,” and that they were “absolutely” disappointed" about the current situation.

The cancellation of Juicy Fest has raised doubt over Timeless Group’s other summer festival, the Timeless Summer Tour.

Culture Club singer Boy George was set to headline the event alongside Bonnie Tyler and Starship.

“As we were using the same infrastructure as Juicy Fest New Zealand for some of the Timeless Summer Tour shows, we have been forced to postpone the inaugural Timeless Summer Tour, which was scheduled for January 2025,” the email to suppliers said.

The tour was scheduled to hit summer hotspots such as Napier, New Plymouth, Tauranga, Auckland and Christchurch.

“Please know we are now working through this process, including working with the artists’ teams, to confirm new dates for this tour. We will be working diligently in coming weeks to finalise new dates and venues”.

Licensing issues aren’t unique to Juicy Fest amid this year’s summer festival season.

Laneway Festival Auckland is no longer able to host under-18s at its 2025 event after its application was rejected by Auckland District Licensing Committee.

“We share the frustration expressed by our attendees and wider stakeholders regarding this outcome. We, too, are disappointed by the decision and its impact,” the festival said

“For those who have already booked travel or accommodation, we recommend seeking refunds or credits where possible, or, alternatively, maintaining their plans to visit Auckland and enjoy all the city has to offer”.

-NZ Herald