by Garth Meyer
Refunds are in effect for May 5 BeachLife Festival-goers who saw the event canceled due to high winds with three hours left on the third and final day.
Reimbursements announced Monday vary for single-day and three-day ticket holders, as well as if the ticket holder was onsite at the time of cancellation. Single-day Sunday attendees get full refunds if they had not arrived before the festival was evacuated. If they were there part of the day, between 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., a 75% refund is in effect.
Single-day Sunday ticket holders may also choose, instead, to receive a free Sunday pass for BeachLife 2025 next May.
Three-day ticket holders are eligible for a 33.33% reimbursement if they had not arrived by the time of the evacuation, or a 25% refund if they were on site sometime between 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Either group also may choose instead a free Sunday single-day pass for next year’s BeachLife.
Refund claims must be filed within 30 days, beginning May 13.
BeachLife Co-founder Allen Sanford told Easy Reader Wednesday that insurance matters are still pending.
“Due to the extraordinarily complex nature of these insurance policies, we are in communication on a daily basis with everyone involved as we try to collectively produce the optimal outcome for all parties,” Sanford said.
At this point the Festival does not know if it will receive insurance coverage, partial or full.
What if they receive none for the wind-induced losses?
“I am so overwhelmed with reality, I can’t contemplate a hypothetical right now,” Sanford said.
The festival has time stamps from wristbands that show when fans arrive, though part of the refund policy depends on an honor system.
“We see this as an opportunity to strengthen our brand in the South Bay, into increased trust between fanbase and Festival. We feel like we did the right thing,” Sanford said.
BeachLife tickets stated on them: “No refunds, rain or shine.” Ticket purchasers were also offered insurance at the time of purchase.
BeachLife food, beverage and other vendors are a second element to address.
“The most important part to take care of was the fans. Our partners and vendors have been super supportive and patient,” Sanford said.
Will the wind cancellation and its aftermath affect the future of BeachLife?
“It’s definitely going to have an effect, but we plan to be coming back strong,” Sanford said. “It’s too early, we’re just in the aftermath.”
Sanford does not know, he said, how long it may be until they know how much insurance may cover.
Overall, what have festival organizers learned from this experience? Is there anything they are glad they did or did not do?
“I’m still reflecting on the whole situation,” Sanford said. “I know that the right decision was made, despite this being the most painful outcome for the festival. Instead of running a viable business, we are now managing refunds, aftermath and insurance technicalities… I look at this as a test for the BeachLife team. This is one of those life tests.” ER
