Istanbul festivals cancelled after protest violence in Turkish city

It’s been announced that both Turkish festivals Vodafone Istanbul Calling and Efes Pilsen One have been cancelled due to escalating violence in the surrounding area.

The city’s Gezi Park has been the centre of clashes between police and protesters after peaceful demonstrations turned violent after the police units used brute force to remove those camped.

The organisers have issued a statement, via The Maccabees‘ Facebook:

“Starting on May 31st extreme police action took place against peaceful protesters who were protesting to save the Gezi Park from becoming a commercial structure. The police action and governments’ resistance to offer a solution increased the anti-government protests and have continued ever since. Due to these recent events Vodafone İstanbul Calling and Efes Pilsen One Festivals are sadly cancelled.

Biletix-local ticketmaster- will get in touch with the ticketholders for refunds via e-mail or SMS as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and support.”

The National, who were originally booked for Istanbul Calling, had already cancelled their appearance as a protest in itself.