SINGAPORE – The Yuewen Music Festival kicked off its three-day extravaganza at Siloso Beach, Sentosa, on December 28, but attendees quickly took to social media to voice their frustrations regarding the festival’s management. The event, organized by the Yuewen Group, which boasts a lineup of prominent Asian artists, has already been labeled a “disaster” by many after just the first day.

The festival featured a host of popular performers, including Taiwanese Mandopop star Maggie Chiang, K-pop sensations Itzy and Red Velvet’s Irene & Seulgi, and Thai idols PP Krit and Billkin. However, a dire turn of events struck when a lightning warning forced attendees to evacuate during Chiang's set, cutting her performance short.

While safety is paramount, festival-goers expressed concerns on platforms like Reddit, Xiaohongshu, Instagram, and TikTok that the organizers lacked a proper wet weather plan. Despite promises made via Yuewen's official social media that standard ticket holders could seek shelter at a designated area, reports surfaced that many were left out on the road, exposed to the elements.

A post on Reddit from a disgruntled attendee described the festival as the “worst event” they had ever attended, citing mismanagement and a lack of accountability from the organizers. Once the lightning warning was lifted, attendees faced additional frustrations. Those with standard tickets were required to wait in a long re-entry line and undergo bag checks again, causing many fans to miss the performance by Kiss Of Life, one of the most anticipated acts of the day.

Critics took to Yuewen's Instagram to express their discontent. Comments likened the experience to an embarrassment, with one user noting how attendees were dispersed due to the lightning warning, only for the show to resume immediately, leaving many still outside waiting to enter.

The festival drew further ire due to inadequate provisions for rain. Attendees weren't allowed to bring umbrellas or water bottles yet were not provided with either; ponchos were sold for exorbitant prices, and bottled water reportedly cost $5. This added to the dissatisfaction, particularly when attendees were met with heavy rain during performances.

Moreover, several festival-goers expressed their annoyance at excessive commercials that interrupted the musical acts, with breaks lasting anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes, filled with advertisements for sponsors and the Yuewen Group’s own productions. Attendees pointed out that they paid substantial ticket prices – between $208 to $398 – with the expectation of enjoying live performances, not endless commercials.

The festival had already faced criticism before it commenced, particularly regarding its pricing. Early-bird tickets, sold at a discount, left many feeling cheated when subsequent sales offered even deeper discounts, leading to widespread frustration among early purchasers.

In light of the backlash, Yuewen Group responded with a statement outlining efforts to improve conditions. They plan to escalate communication with local authorities and performing artists to resolve any weather-related interruptions swiftly. Additionally, they have since added tents at the entrance for shelter during evacuations and started distributing free ponchos during rainy conditions.

Despite the chaos, festival-goers are looking forward to the next performances, which will feature exciting acts, including K-pop powerhouses like Big Bang’s Daesung and Taeyang, as well as renowned Japanese pop singer Mika Nakashima. It remains to be seen if the Yuewen Music Festival can recover from this rocky start and deliver the unforgettable experience it promised to attendees.

Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge from what many are calling the "worst festival experience ever!"