Chaos and Safety Concerns Mar Magnetic World Festival in Halifax
Attendees at the Magnetic World music festival in Halifax reported unsafe, disorganized conditions on Friday, with long waits and missed performances. Police made six arrests for liquor offences, while organizers adjusted entry procedures for Saturday.
Attendees at the Magnetic World music festival in Halifax described chaotic and unsafe conditions on Friday, as hundreds of ticket holders waited over two hours in crowded, gated lines. The incident occurred at the Garrison Grounds, a venue operated by Parks Canada within the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
Dylan Musgrave, an attendee who purchased General Admission Plus tickets costing between $200 and $400, stated that he and his wife ended up in the general admission line due to a lack of signage. He described the scene as "chaos," noting that people were packed shoulder-to-shoulder in an enclosed area approximately seven feet tall. Although the festival website advised arriving 30 to 45 minutes early, Musgrave said the line had not moved for 20 minutes when he arrived at 6 p.m., despite artists like Swae Lee and Drake having set times starting at 7:15 p.m. He left the line at 8:20 p.m., estimating that hundreds of others missed their scheduled performances.
Musgrave reported witnessing public urination, drug use, drinking, and two separate fights break out while he was waiting. He noted a lack of security access within the queue, contributing to feelings of discomfort and unsafety. Emergency Health Services treated some concert-goers for minor injuries and medical issues during the event.
Halifax Regional Police confirmed responding to fights both within the entrance line and inside the venue. These interventions resulted in six arrests related to liquor offences.
In response to the feedback, Magnetic World organizers acknowledged the issues and made significant adjustments to the entry process for Saturday. Changes included alterations to the layout, guest flow, and ticket scanning systems. Parks Canada, which requires approved events to have safety, security, and waste management plans along with proof of insurance, stated that events must comply with safety regulations and that feedback is reviewed for future planning.