Reykjavík City Council approved a contract with representatives from Secret Solstice music festival for three days of concerts in Laugardalur from July 21-23, RÚV reports. The festival is heavily in debt to the city and has also been accused of neglecting to pay artists. The production company that took over the festival last year point to its previous organisers are responsible.
In April it was reported that Secret Solstice owed the City of Reykjavík a total of ISK 42.5 million ($354,000/€314,000), a debt that the capital’s district commissioner had unsuccessfully attempted to recover four times. The freshly-signed contract outlines a repayment schedule from the festival to the city amounting to ISK 19 million ($154,000/€138,000). It also stipulated that the city will contribute ISK 8 million ($65,000/€58,000) in funding to the festival, on the condition that it be more family-friendly than in previous years. The festival organisers are also required to return the Laugardalur area in the same condition as they received it before the rental period.
Past performers sue
Metal band Slayer, who headlined the festival last year, is reportedly suing its organisers for only having received partial payment. The band says it is still owed ISK 16 million ($133,000/€118,000). Icelandic feminist rap collective Reykjavíkurdætur has also recently blasted the festival, saying that not only were they not paid for last year’s festival, but they’ve also been invited this year to perform for free.
