The Hey Neighbour Festival will no longer take place in 2025.
Organisers confirmed today that the highly anticipated music event has been cancelled, with a return only planned for 2026. This comes just months after the festival was first postponed from August to December 2025.
According to organisers, the decision was made to give the team more time to secure the right artist lineup, funding, and partnerships needed to deliver the type of large-scale event fans have come to expect.
“Rushing the process with current constraints would compromise the very heart of what makes this event special. This difficult but necessary decision allows us the time to build a solid foundation for a spectacular celebration in 2026. We’re committed to creating a festival worth the wait,” festival CEO Glen Netshipise said.
This latest announcement follows a July update in which organisers admitted to difficulties in securing artists and resources.
At the time, they apologised for communication delays and promised a December 2025 edition of the event featuring big names like Doja Cat, Central Cee, Black Coffee, and Leon Thomas.
Today’s cancellation, however, means that those plans will not go ahead.
What this means for ticket holders
For those who already bought tickets, the festival says no one will lose their money.
Tickets will remain valid for the next edition of Hey Neighbour in 2026. If ticket holders do not wish to keep their tickets, they can request a refund at any time.
Importantly, there is no deadline to apply for refunds.
The refund process involves logging in to the official ticketing site, selecting the relevant order, and submitting bank details to receive the money back.
Organisers emphasised the importance of entering bank information carefully, as incorrect details cannot be corrected once submitted.
In their July statement, organisers also confirmed that refunds for those who had already requested them would be processed by 10 October 2025.
Today’s update reiterates this commitment, while adding the option of carrying tickets forward to 2026.
Why the cancellation happened
Festivals require major financial investment, international artist bookings, and months of logistical planning.
Organisers said pushing forward with 2025 would have meant delivering a smaller, compromised experience. Instead, they want to focus on re-establishing the festival’s reputation for community, connection, and top-tier performances.
Netshipise summed up the decision by saying the festival’s “promise has always been to throw the ultimate neighbourhood block party,” and that organisers were unwilling to deliver less than that.
For now, the festival team is working on securing sponsors, partnerships, and artists for 2026.
Ticket holders are advised to watch the official festival website and social media platforms for further updates.
