Synthony in the Domain postponed due to ‘potentially unsafe’ weather in Auckland

A performance from last year's Synthony Festival, which took place at Spark Arena. Photo / Supplied

The long-awaited Synthony in the Domain has been postponed until Sunday because of a “poor and potentially unsafe” weather forecast for its original date of tomorrow.

“The weather forecast for Saturday is poor and potentially unsafe, while Sunday’s forecast suggests drier and safer conditions,” organisers said.

The decision was made according to advice from the New Zealand MetService, with warnings of heavy rain and thunderstorms bringing downpours into the area.

Saturday’s tickets remain valid for the new date.

“We thank you for your support and understanding in this matter and look forward to dancing with you on Sunday.”

But fans of the music and dance phenomenon aren’t too happy after learning that their tickets have been automatically transferred, rather than being offered a refund.

“Sorry but this no refund policy is robbery and verging on illegal,” one commented on Synthony’s Facebook post sharing the news.

“It’s simply not possible for people travelling outside of Auckland to make further arrangements for accommodation, transport and childcare etc. Absolute disgrace.”

Those who can’t make the Sunday date have been left wondering what their options are other than selling their original tickets.

“This is just so disappointing. How many people have flown across the country for this or got hotels booked and child care arrangements,” another fan commented.

Another pointed out the event’s refund and cancellation policy, which described Synthony in the Domain as an “all-weather event” that would take place “rain, hail or shine”.

“Hardly rain, hail or shine?” they added, although the policy continues to say that organisers reserve the right to change the date without notification “with reasonable cause”.

The star-studded lineup set to perform across two outdoor stages on the new date of April 2 includes Shapeshifter, Kimbra, and Sir Dave Dobbyn, along with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

It’s the biggest Synthony ensemble to date, with the new set list curated by DJ Dick Johnson. The event will be hosted by DJ Aroha and MC’d by ZM DJ Clint Roberts.

Since 2017, the original Synthony show has gone from one sold-out show in Auckland to annual tours across the country. Last year the event expanded into a tour across Australia, and into Southeast Asia for the first time with a debut show in Singapore.

Duco Touring Founder and MD David Higgins promised the event would offer the audience “a festival experience without the palaver - no driving out of town, no camping”.

“There’s a plethora of national music festivals for teenagers and young adults, and this market is very well served, but we noted that our very own Pukekawa hasn’t been properly utilised for that purpose yet.”