The return of New Jersey’s Bamboozle music festival has left many fans feeling short-changed.
The Bamboozle festival was scheduled to take place at Atlantic City’s Bader Field on May 5 to May 7. But the city issued a statement saying it will not issue the final permit for the Bamboozle Festival to operate. “There was an ongoing concern that we were not getting the required documents from festival organizers in a timely manner,” the statement reads.
The event was fast approaching, an these issues were still unresolved. Therefore, my office established a reasonable deadline for festival organizers to submit the required documents to the city.” The statement shares the deadline was set on April 27.
“The attorney acknowledged receipt of the notice letter. The city did not receive a written request for an extension or any other written indication that the required documentation could not be provided. The April 27 deadline passed, and the attorney for the festival organizers has been notified that the event is canceled consistent with our prior notice.”
A statement posted on the Bamboozle Festival website reads, “After extensive discussions, we have made the heartbreaking decision to cancel Bamboozle 2023. An incredible amount of time, dedication, passion, and hard work was invested into making this comeback a success. We appreciate everyone who supported this festival. Refunds should be requested at point of purchase.”
Some fans of the festival were disappointed with the way organizers sold expensive early-bird tickets. When the festival failed to land big name acts, these fans allege founder John D’Esposito refused refund requests and cyberbullied anyone who complained about the practice on social media. In at lease one case, he allegedly threatened to publish the home address of a fan who criticized Bamboozle and wrote show sponsors about D’Esposito’s online behavior.
Local reports suggest fans are contacting the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs about the festival. At least 21 complaints have been received so far, ranging from false advertising to refund requests.