Furious Rewind revellers hit out at ‘dismal’ VIP area

Organisers face demand for refunds as petition reaches 96 signatures

Music fans are demanding refunds over “dismal” conditions at this year’s Rewind Festival.

The 1980s extravaganza at Scone Palace, featuring sun-kissed sets from among others OMD, Status Quo and UB40, was hailed as the best yet by organisers.

About 100 revellers are now asking for their money back, however, because of major changes to the site’s VIP area.

Organisers have been presented with a petition, complaining about conditions in the “luxury” enclosure, which cost a three-figure sum more to access than the normal ticket price.

VIP guests found themselves in an open site with no marquee, luxury seating replaced with picnic benches, a “limited bar... with cheap wine from Bulgaria at premium prices” and the view of the main stage obstructed by speakers.

Rewind organisers have pledged to take on board the complaints before next year’s show.

They said they are still considering how to respond to requests for refunds.

It was the first Rewind at Scone for new operators Broadwick Live, which took over the franchise last year.

Festival regular Angie Gatford, who raised 96 signatures for her petition on day one, said: “We paid an extra £125 for the Saturday to use VIP, on top of the normal ticket price. Other guests were just as furious and felt cheated.

“At previous Rewinds, up to 2017, we had use of a huge tepee marquee with a massive amount of covered inside space, with plenty of luxury seating, tables, sofas and even chandeliers.

“The cocktail bar had comfy outdoor seating and excellent views of the stage and screens.”

Ms Gatford, of Dundee, said there was a wall between the area and main arena, which created a sense of separation from the rest of the site.

“This year, there was lots of hype about it being an extra special year because it was Rewind’s 10th anniversary,” she said.

“Straight away, we could see how dismal the VIP area was. There was just a normal fence separating it from the main area and a huge expanse of a field with just a field tent for a bar area and only a few cheap bench picnic tables for seating.”

A spokesman for Rewind said: “We work hard to give everyone a brilliant weekend at Rewind and, as ever, we’re grateful for all the positive feedback we have received.

“The suggestions for improvement are, of course, equally important and help us maintain our high standards year after year. In particular, some changes made to the VIP area were less well received than others.

“Whilst the offering included everything that was advertised, plus other new elements, we accept that there were some differences to the way the area looked and the infrastructure provided in previous years.

“We’re in touch with everyone who has contacted us about this and we’re working on an appropriate way to remedy their concerns.”

We paid an extra £125 for the Saturday to use VIP, on top of the normal ticket price. Other guests were just as furious and felt cheated.

PETITION ORGANISER ANGIE GATFORD

Almost 100 music fans have complained to organisers about the conditions in the VIP area at this year’s Rewind Festival at Scone Palace, saying there was no marquee, luxury seating was replaced with picnic benches and the bar served ‘cheap wine from...