Bulgarian Festival Meadows in the Mountains files for bankruptcy

Bulgarian music and arts festival Meadows in the Mountains has cancelled its 2025 edition and announced plans to file for bankruptcy, citing ongoing financial and operational challenges. The news was shared via an Instagram post on Friday, April 25th, and was followed by an open letter from "The Meadows Team" published on the festival’s official website. The statement explained that a combination of internal difficulties, rising debts, and failed funding efforts had led to the decision. According to the letter, the festival faced significant disruptions beginning in 2023, including the departure of key production team members due to personal allegations. Despite attempts to continue, the team reported accumulating around €150,000 in unpaid debts to crew and service providers. Further complications arose in 2024 when necessary permits were revoked due to the festival’s planned dates overlapping with EU and Bulgarian parliamentary elections. Organizers stated that investor support for the 2025 edition fell through earlier this year, and a final funding application was rejected in March. As of now, the festival reports over €400,000 in debt and has decided to cease operations. While ticket holders for the 2025 event have been promised refunds, the statement did not confirm the status of refunds for cancelled editions in 2023 and 2024. The announcement prompted frustration among some past attendees, particularly those still awaiting reimbursement. Founded in 2011, *Meadows in the Mountains* was held in Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains and gained a reputation for its scenic location and eclectic lineup, featuring artists such as Ivan Smagghe, Z@P, and Anna Wall.