In a surprising turn of events, officials from a second city have confirmed that they have no records indicating the upcoming Fyre Fest 2 will be held in their area, despite Billy McFarland holding a press conference in late March to announce a new location for this much-anticipated event. This lack of documentation raises significant questions about the legitimacy of McFarland’s claims regarding the festival’s planning and organization.

Earlier in February, McFarland had proclaimed that Fyre Fest 2 was slated to take place from May 30 to June 2 in Isla Mujeres, located near Cancun, Mexico. However, this announcement caught local tourism officials off guard. Edgar Gasca, the tourism director for Isla Mujeres, stated, “We have no knowledge of this event, nor contact with any person or any company about it. For us, this is an event that does not exist,” indicating a complete lack of coordination with local authorities.

In response, McFarland asserted that he had secured partnerships with top-tier private venues and hotels, claiming that any hotels denying involvement had issued misleading statements to the press. He stated he was severing ties with those hotels and reaffirmed his personal commitment, along with that of the festival’s backers, to ensure the event’s success. He insisted that talent had already been booked and logistical plans were in the works.

Exciting Announcement: Fyre Fest 2’s New Host Location

On March 28, McFarland held a press conference to formally announce that Fyre Fest 2 had officially secured its new host location in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. The event was unveiled during a press conference at the Martina Beach Club, which is set to be one of the official venues for the festival. This announcement aims to revitalize interest and confidence in the festival’s planning.

During the press conference, McFarland expressed his optimism, saying, “Our relationships with Playa may be new, but I know I speak for the rest of the team when I say we couldn’t ask for a better group of people.” His comments reflect a newfound enthusiasm about the collaboration and the potential for a successful event, which can be viewed in full in the videos provided below.

Billy McFarland Builds Anticipation for the Upcoming Festival

Just a few days following the press conference, McFarland took to social media to express his excitement about the upcoming festival and to engage potential attendees. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring together 1,800 individuals who are willing to take a chance on his vision and to create unforgettable experiences together.

McFarland stated, “First I am so grateful to be bringing together 1800 people who not only have the courage to take a chance on me but have the courage to prove the impossible possible and the courage to be part of history.” His enthusiasm is palpable, as he discusses the diverse lineup of talent expected to participate, including DJs, rappers, reggae artists, pop stars, as well as athletes, divers, models, and creators, all of whom will lead unique experiences for guests.

“Fyre is all about these intimate experiences. We’ll host dozens of artists in a private party-like setting. Fyre is all about the people you’ll meet, the memories you’ll make, and the stories that you will be able to tell for the rest of your life,” McFarland continued, emphasizing the personal connections that will be formed at this festival.

READ MORE: 15 Most Disastrous Music Festivals in History

He further invited attendees to engage in thrilling activities, saying, “If you and your friends want to ATV through the jungle with a Super Bowl champion, if you want to swim with the sharks alongside a pop star, or if you want to learn MMA on the beach with a UFC champion, DM me, and I will personally help you and your friends get set up.” He concluded his message with a rallying cry: “Let’s make history everybody,” while sipping from a bottle of Evian water.

Current ticket sales for Fyre Fest 2 are available through the official festival website, allowing interested participants to secure their places at this unique event.

Local Authorities Once Again Deny Fyre Festival 2’s Existence

For the second time in his efforts to launch Fyre Fest 2, McFarland has encountered significant resistance from local government officials. The communication office of the Mexican city issued a statement via social media, declaring (translated to English), “#ComunicadoOficial || There will be no event called ‘Fyre 2’ in Playa del Carmen. There is no record or planning. This government prioritizes order, security, and truth.”

In a more extensive statement, it was also noted, “… No such event with that name will take place in our city,” further emphasizing that “There is no existence of a registry nor plans that would indicate such an event taking place in this municipality.” This pushback raises eyebrows and casts doubt on the feasibility of McFarland’s festival plans.

Understanding the Concerns: The Troubled History of Fyre Festival

The original Fyre Festival has become notorious, often referenced in memes and viewed as a legal debacle for organizer Billy McFarland. Marketed as a “luxury music festival,” the inaugural Fyre Festival promised an extravagant experience on a Bahamian island from April 28-30 and May 5-7, 2017. Promotion relied heavily on social media influencers and models to sell tickets, which ultimately proved misleading.

Ticket prices ranged from $500 to a staggering $12,000 for a package that included airfare and a luxury tent. The promised lineup featured big names like Blink-182, Major Lazer, and Migos, all of whom never performed. The festival devolved into chaos due to the absence of planned music performances, adverse weather conditions, and the failure to deliver promised experiences, famously culminating in a viral image of a cheese sandwich.

In the months following the disastrous event, numerous lawsuits were filed against the organizers, including McFarland and Ja Rule. Both Netflix and Hulu released documentaries detailing the planning missteps and the catastrophic execution of the festival.

In 2022, McFarland was granted an early release from federal prison after serving time for wire fraud. Later that year, he began hinting at his next venture before revealing his plans for a second Fyre Festival. In late February of this year, he announced the dates for Fyre Fest 2, igniting both excitement and skepticism.