SINGAPORE – Yuewen Music Festival Experiences Discontent

The highly anticipated Yuewen Music Festival, hosted at Sentosa's picturesque Siloso Beach, marked its second day on December 29 amidst a storm of complaints from attendees. The inaugural three-day festival has seen a barrage of criticism due to its poor weather management, igniting a social media frenzy from disgruntled concert-goers.

Following a tumultuous Day 1, many attendees took to social platforms to express their frustration over the festival organized by Yuewen Group, a leading Chinese entertainment company. Complaints primarily centered on harsh weather conditions that forced evacuations, the lack of proper shelter when a lightning warning was issued, and significant delays that caused fans to miss performances from their favorite artists.

Star-Studded Lineup Faces Weather Woes

The lineup on December 28 included popular acts like Taiwanese stars Maggie Chiang and Lala Hsu, K-pop sensations Itzy and Red Velvet’s Irene & Seulgi, and renowned Thai idols Billkin and PP Krit. However, due to adverse weather and logistical woes, fans reported missing entire sets.

Continuing Challenges on Day 2

On December 29, the rain began to pour heavily, triggering another lightning alert at 2:40 PM. Consequently, sets by rising stars like Kino, rapper Wooseok, and Chinese rapper Gali were canceled, resulting in a short performance from Thai actors Win Metawin and Nanon due to safety concerns. Attendees like 21-year-old Kamin Tan expressed disappointment over not witnessing their beloved acts, stating, "We were told to find shelter, and it made us miss out on so much."

As the storm continued, many concertgoers awaited updates amidst packed and poorly ventilated shelters that proved insufficient for the crowd. Ms. Rina, 25, lamented the lack of adequate space and suggested that more emergency planning should have been in place.

A Respite Amidst the Downpour

The excitement finally returned when, after the rain subsided by 7:30 PM, the festival resumed featuring renowned artists. The K-pop legends Daesung and Taeyang from BigBang took the stage, providing much-needed relief and entertainment to the weary audience. Daesung’s infectious energy and Taeyang’s heartfelt performance, which included the post hit "Eyes, Nose, Lips," left a mark on those who were fortunate to witness it.

"I really loved Daesung’s unreleased song, Umbrella," enthusiastic participant Kamin shared. "It felt like a memorable moment that made all the inconveniences worthwhile."

Lingering Discontent

However, despite the later performances shining a glimmer of hope, not all attendees left satisfied. Fiona Cher, 26, criticized the organizers for lacking a contingency plan, declaring, "We expected better management for an outdoor event of this scale. Not knowing about cancellations from the organizers was frustrating."

When asked about attendance figures, Yuewen Group did not respond. However, a spokesperson assured that they were committed to improving the festival experience, stating, "We fought against the weather, and while cancellations were unavoidable, we sincerely want to provide a great experience for festivalgoers."

In response to complaints, organizers handed out free raincoats and bottled water, set up additional shelters, and improved navigation signage to ease the experience for attendees.

Anticipation for the Final Night

As the festival gears up for its final night on December 31, anticipation builds with headlining acts set to include world-famous DJs Afrojack and Don Diablo, adding a blend of electronic excitement to the closing celebrations.

While attendees navigate the ups and downs of this music adventure, one thing remains clear: the spirit of the fans, even amidst chaos, always finds a way to shine through.