'Didn't go as planned': Regina concert goers say Sweet Escape Fest marred by lack of security, performers claiming they weren't paid

Those who attended the anticipated Sweet Escape Fest in Regina over Labour Day weekend say the event spiralled into uncertainty on its final night – as security was severely limited and artists took to the stage to say they weren't paid.

Those who attended the anticipated Sweet Escape Fest in Regina over Labour Day weekend say the event spiralled into uncertainty on its final night – as security was severely limited and artists took to the stage to say they weren’t paid.

The two-day event from Aug 30th to 31st was slated to feature 24 hip hop artists and DJs in Regina’s Victoria Park. Organized by Phoenix Entertainment in collaboration with Origami Barbershop, tickets for the all-ages event ran from $79 to $309.

Travis Murray bought VIP passes after hearing about the festival at Country Thunder Saskatchewan.

“[A] couple friends talked about it, and we bought tickets right then,” he explained. “They said you get a VIP area. They had a map where you get right up to the stage, and it looked good. The lineup was incredible.”

Nohl Purdue was another member of the group. He said the event was advertised well and certainly generated some excitement.

“They were supporting it online pretty well. It picked up a lot of buzz, and it looked okay from those types of background points. They had all their bases covered,” he explained.

But as soon as the group entered the gates, certain issues became quite obvious.