How to Get a Refund for a Cancelled Concert or Festival
It is incredibly frustrating when a highly anticipated concert or festival is cancelled. You've paid for an experience you won't get, but you are legally entitled to your money back. Don't let organisers keep your cash.
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Build my claim →Your rights
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if an event you've paid for is cancelled, the organiser has failed to provide the service you contracted for. This means you are entitled to a full refund for the ticket price. If you paid by credit card for tickets over £100, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes your card provider jointly liable. For debit card payments, you may be able to initiate a chargeback claim through your bank.
Step by step
- 1Review the organiser's and ticket seller's cancellation policy. Most will have a clear process for refunds in case of cancellation, often published on their website.
- 2Contact the ticket seller or event organiser directly. Use their official channels, usually email or an online form, and clearly state you are requesting a full refund due to the cancellation.
- 3If the organiser or seller is unresponsive or refuses a refund, contact your bank or credit card provider. Explain the situation and request a chargeback (for debit cards) or initiate a Section 75 claim (for credit cards over £100).
- 4If all else fails, consider escalating your complaint to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme if the company is a member, or pursue a claim through the small claims court.
What they'll say, and your comeback
“We're only offering credit for a future event.”
Comeback, Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, I am entitled to a monetary refund for a service not provided, not just a credit or voucher.
“Booking fees are non-refundable.”
Comeback, Booking fees are an integral part of the total cost of the service I paid for, which was not delivered. Therefore, these should also be refunded.
“The cancellation was due to circumstances beyond our control.”
Comeback, While unfortunate, the reason for cancellation does not negate your obligation to provide the service or my right to a refund for a service that was not delivered.
FAQ
Can I get a refund for travel or accommodation if the event is cancelled?
Generally, no, unless these were booked as part of a package deal with the event ticket. Most travel and accommodation bookings are separate contracts, and their cancellation terms apply independently.
What if the event is postponed, not cancelled?
If an event is postponed, your ticket usually remains valid for the new date. However, if the new date is unsuitable, you may still be entitled to a refund, though this often depends on the ticket seller's specific terms and conditions for postponements.
Ready to get your money back?
Reclaim it now, free →More money you might be owed
- UKHow to get a refund for a faulty product (even 'out of policy')
- UK / EUHow to get a refund when your order never arrived
- EUResolve a cross-border online purchase dispute (ECC-Net)
- SpainCómo reclamar la devolución por un producto defectuoso en España
- PortugalDevolução de produto com defeito em Portugal
- FranceProduit défectueux : garantie légale de conformité en France
A self-serve tool, not a law firm. General information, not legal advice.