Magnetic World Festival in Halifax Faces Backlash Over Chaotic Entry and Safety Concerns
Hundreds of ticket holders at the Magnetic World music festival in Halifax reported waiting over two hours in crowded, gated lines on Friday night. Issues including fights, a lack of signage, and missed performances prompted six arrests and led organizers to adjust entry processes for Saturday.
Hundreds of attendees at the Magnetic World music festival held at Garrison Grounds in Halifax, Nova Scotia, reported unsafe and disorganized conditions on Friday night. Ticket holders, who paid between $200 and $400 per ticket, waited over two hours inside an enclosed, seven-foot tall gated area before entering the venue. The prolonged delays caused many to miss scheduled performances.
Attendee Dylan Musgrave said that a lack of signage caused him and his wife, who held GA+ tickets, to end up in the general admission line. Musgrave described the scene as "chaos," noting that people were packed shoulder-to-shoulder. He reported witnessing fights, public urination, and drug use, while observing a lack of accessible security personnel inside the gate.
Halifax Regional Police confirmed they responded to fights both within the entrance line and inside the venue. Officers made six arrests, all related to liquor offences. Emergency Health Services also treated some concert-goers for minor injuries and medical issues during the event.
On Saturday, Magnetic World organizers posted a statement acknowledging the feedback regarding Friday's entry wait times. The organizers announced significant adjustments to the entrance layout, guest flow, and ticket scanning process for the remainder of the festival, and initiated a post-event review.
Garrison Grounds is owned by the federal government as part of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and is operated by Parks Canada. The agency issues special licenses for events at the location, requiring compliance with safety, security, and waste management plans.