Here's how to support affected local vendors from GVF2023's cancellation

Regrettably, the highly anticipated and long-awaited Good Vibes Festival 2023, held in Kuala Lumpur, was unexpectedly terminated following an incident involving the British pop band The 1975. Despite being envisioned as a celebration of music and unity, the festival abruptly concluded due to a contentious act by the band during their performance.

During the festival's inaugural night, The 1975's lead vocalist, Matty Healy, delivered critical remarks about the nation's LGBTQ laws, eliciting controversy among attendees and contravening the festival's performance guidelines. Moreover, Healy purportedly caused damage to a drone owned by the organizers and was observed consuming alcohol on stage. As a consequence of this incident, the government made the difficult decision to cancel the event, leading to profound disappointment among ticket holders and local performers.

However, a primary concern among netizens was the substantial impact on 28 food vendors who had dedicated considerable resources and effort to prepare for the event. The cancellation posed a significant challenge for these vendors, adding to the overall sense of dismay.

For example, Nazri, the proprietor of Sausage Sizzle Malaysia (@sausagesizzlemy), revealed that he invested a minimum of RM15,000 solely on food expenses, without factoring in booth rental, accommodations, staffing, logistics, and preparation time. Likewise, the festival's co-partner, Motherchuckers (@heymotherchuckers), expressed their apprehensions regarding the financial burden they now encounter and other vendors contending with losses resulting from the festival's cancellation. In light of this situation, they have appealed for support from the public and encouraged individuals to monitor their social media channels for any forthcoming pop-up offers or weekend promotions, which could aid in mitigating the adverse effects they are facing.

Other vendors who were impacted include @myburgerlab @bigbosshsp @beardbrothersbbq @joshijoshcatering @kingukongu.my @hijaukualalumpur @sausagesizzlemy @nachoslahofficial @cheezuto @superfine.kl @fifbites @pizzamansion @wokit.my @apiething @kickinprawns @flaaahflaaahflaaah @dreamburgerenjoy @chez_will.i.am @mormantau

Future Sound Asia extends a formal apology to ticket holders, vendors, sponsors, and partners impacted by the unfortunate cancellation of the festival. Although the precise details of the refund process are pending, the organisers are committed to promptly communicating updates to all parties involved.