Midi 2008 is off!

Just days after we cautiously announced that Midi had been approved, comes the news that the festival will probably not be going ahead over the May 1st holidays after all. According to Chinese media reports and a source closely attached to the festival, the police notified organizers this morning that they were unwilling to send officers to provide security at the event. According to our source, despite official approval for the event, without this police presence the festival will not be able to go ahead.

The cancellation is yet to be confirmed but comes on the heels of the cancellation of the Shanghai Midi and also the introduction of stricter controls being placed on foreign acts performing in China. Festival organizers still hope to reach some agreement with the Haidian District government. If the event can not go ahead in May, they hope that it might be moved to the October holidays. It's likely that the Mini Midi Festival will go ahead as planned.

Keep an eye on the Beijinger Blog and the Beijinger Forum for updates.

Links and Sources
China Music Radar: Beijing's Midi Festival Cancelled?
Sina: 08年迷笛音乐节遇停办危机 主办方力保如期举行
The Beijinger Blog: Approved! Midi 2008 is on*!