Málaga’s Sophie Festival canceled by police at last minute over alleged lack of authorisation

Last week’s Sophie Festival in Málaga, Spain was canceled by police less than 24 hours before it was due to commence owing to an alleged lack of authorisation.

The festival, which had been due to bring 6,000 people to Ogus Park on New Year’s Day with headline performances from Richie Hawtin and Luciano, was all set up to go when the plug was pulled at the last minute, according to EuroWeekly.

As Sur reports, ticket holders were confronted by riot units from both the local and national police upon entry and denied access to the festival site. According to Sur, the council alleged that the festival did not present the necessary documentation “in a timely manner to obtain authorisation”. 

“We are appalled by the situation and the least we can do is to inform you in a transparent manner,” wrote Sophie’s organisers on Instagram, stating that the necessary documentation was submitted on 3rd December.

Yesterday, 31st December, at 19:16, we managed to get a visit from the Town Hall technicians and their approval, but the festivities have made it difficult to find the person responsible for opening the file, certifying the technician’s documentation and authorising the event,” they continued. “We have fought to the end and it breaks our hearts not to be able to open the doors even though we have had all the papers in order since the 3rd of December.”

Of course, all tickets and administration fees will be refunded in full to the method of payment with which the purchase was made.

See the full statement below. Event organisers intend to refund all ticket holders.

Revisit our 2022 review of Sophie Festival.