The Prodigy's headline appearance at the final day of Strawberry Festival in Shanghai was abruptly cancelled late on Monday after the British band were left stranded in Beijing. Adverse weather conditions meant that Liam, Keef and Maxim's flight, which was also due to carry their equipment between the two cities, was apparently unable to take off.
Seemingly with no back up plan in place, Strawberry organisers Modern Sky issued a statement on Monday afternoon saying that the band were still in Beijing airport and that they 'hoped' they'd be able to make it in time for the festival. Although the inclusion of ticket refund information in the announcement seemed ominous, the headliners' appearance wasn't officially cancelled and the whole thing appeared up in the air - though of course The Prodigy weren't, which was a bit of a problem.
As time wore on - and with authorities insisting that events at the Expo Park were all wrapped up by 9.30pm - it became increasingly unlikely that The Prodigy were going to make it in time, a situation that was eventually confirmed with an announcement to the crowds on site just before 7pm. The main stage, flanked by booming adverts from drinks companies and a mini H&M outlet, therefore finished early with a set from old-school rockers Second Hand Rose. That's the same Second Hand Rose who played Beijing's Strawberry Festival on Sunday, the same day as The Prodigy, yet were somehow still able to make it to Shanghai to play the next day.
Modern Sky have said that they will 'work to bring The Prodigy to perform in Shanghai as soon as possible', though of course there are no concrete details concerning a rearranged performance at the moment. The band have also promised a return in a brief statement released via Modern Sky:
'Yo this is Liam, Keef and Maxim from The Prodigy.
We are still sitting in the plane but we wish we were there with you in Shanghai at this moment. Bad weather happens but it never changes our bond with our CHINESE fans - we will be back!
love n respect
The Prodigy'
For now, Modern Sky have said that anyone with a ticket for Monday (including three-day tickets) who didn't enter the festival site, can get a full refund (for the day missed) or exchange their ticket for a pass to Myth, their upcoming electronic festival on the same site being headlined by Diplo.
If you got into the site early in preparation for The Prodigy - understandable after some festival goers were turned away from Disclosure's set on the main stage on Sunday due to excess numbers - then they've asked you to contact theprodigy@modernsky.com, though there are no details as to whether you'll be compensated in any way.
If you want to get a refund or an exchange, contact tickets@modernsky.com before May 9th for full details.