Swedish Music Fest Cancels 2018 Event Following Spate Of Sexual Assaults

This year’s massive Bravalla Festival in Sweden only finished up on Saturday, but organisers have already decided to can the 2018 event, after reports have emerged of a worrying rate of sexual violence.
Swedish authorities say that there was one rape and 11 sexual assaults at this year’s festival, held in the town of Norrköping and featuring the Chainsmokers, the Killers, System of a Down, Die Antwoord, and a whole stable of other crazy-popular acts. 

Last year’s gathering also resulted in multiple reports of sexual violence, with at least five cases of rape and 12 sexual assaults. 
It’s something that festival organisers are not willing to sweep under the rug. They’ve responded by cancelling future Bravalla events, explaining in a press release:
“Words cannot describe how incredibly sad we are about this, and we most seriously regret and condemn this. This is not fucking okay. We do not accept this at our festival.

“We have done everything in our power to [provide a] safe festival experience for our visitors […] With that said, sexual abuse continues to occur. We have seen it at our and other festivals in recent years and it is a huge social problem that affects every part of our society. 

“We are working actively to eradicate the darkness – everyone exposed to crime should receive the support and help they want and need.

“Some men – because we are talking about men – apparently can’t behave. It’s a shame. Therefore, we have decided not to [hold] Bravalla 2018.

“We will continue to work together for a better world. We hope you are with us in it. Let’s take care of each other, choke hatred and violence, and let the music win.”
It’s a bold step for a festival to respond so clearly, and one that could be a model for others. Punters should know that if they’re going to behave abhorrently, they’re going to get their toys taken away. 
Of course, it’d be nice if everyone else didn’t have to miss out on the fun as well.

Source: Huffington Post.
Image: Oskar Omne Photography / Facebook / Bravalla Festivalen. 

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