Pukkelpop To Return In 2012

Belgian festival Pukkelpop has revealed it will return in 2012, despite five fatalities following a stage collapse at this year’s event.

The go ahead was given following a government report which ruled the collapse in August was ‘a natural disaster’, meaning organisers are cleared of any blame. This also means the damage caused is not covered by insurance.

A statement from the festival explains: ‘Pukkelpop will continue in its original form: three days, eight stages, a mixture of the best bands, DJs and sideshows of the moment combined with a distinctive focus on artists of tomorrow.’

‘Pukkelpop has suffered considerable financial losses,’ the statement adds. ‘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. The consequences of our decision to pay restitution will weigh heavily on Pukkelpop, the festival as well as the organisers, in the coming years.’

Organisers have announced a plan to offer free food and drink vouchers for the next three years to those affected by this year’s cancellation. An independent fund has also been established to support the victims of the stage collapse.