Pukkelpop to go ahead in 2012 despite stage collapse

Two months after a thunderstorm brought tragedy to Pukkelpop, the Belgian festival has announced it will return. The three-day event "will continue in its original form" next summer, with free food and drink vouchers issued to those who bought tickets this year. Four people died and more than 70 were injured when a storm tore through the festival site on 18 August. Sixty-thousand people were evacuated after the "mini-hurricane" caused a stage collapse. The remaining performances were cancelled, including those by Eminem and Foo Fighters. A government report has since cleared festival organisers of blame, calling the storm a "natural disaster". Unfortunately, damage from natural disasters was not covered by Pukkelpop's insurance policy, and it has announced it will not issue cash refunds to ticket holders from 2011. "Pukkelpop has suffered considerable financial losses," organisers wrote. "The festival will only be able to survive with the support of many and thanks to the strong reputation it has built up in the past." Instead of reimbursing 2011 festival passes, food and drink vouchers equivalent to ticket prices will be offered for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 events. "The expenses for Pukkelpop 2011 far exceeded the benefits," said organisers. "The consequences of our decision to pay restitution will weigh heavily on [us] … in the coming years." Pukkelpop 2012 will take place from 16-18 August, near Hasselt in Belgium.