Many wondered where Ultra Music Festival would house itself in following its boot from its famed longtime home Bayfront Park. Though their transition to holding the event on the Miami-adjacent island of Virginia Key was rapid, this jump has not been without issues. Specifically, the move has ruffled the feathers of Rapture Electronic Music Festival, who have hosted their two day event at the historic island since 2017.
A house and techno-centric event, Rapture has now issued a cease and desist warning to Ultra Music Festival, demanding that Ultra stop applying for permits to use the island for their festival. Both festivals are set to occur on the same weekend, and Rapture notes that they had an agreement with the city to host the event on Virginia Key for three more years. Ultra, however, are going ahead with their organizing of the festival, as they need to have full plans showing that minimal environmental impact will come from moving the festival to the new, harder-to-reach location.
Though no solution or agreement has been reached as of yet, Rapture may have some help from local supporters. Scientists from the University of Miami note that the bass from Ultra’s massive soundsystems could disturb fish in the Virginia Key facility, while other activists suggest that precautions be taken to protect the local birds, manatees, and wetlands. With a mountain of red tape on Ultra’s path to Virginia Key, and a legal battle with an entertainment giant coming forth for Rapture, it is uncertain which festival will wind up with the coveted location.
H/T: Miami Herald
Source: dancingastronaut.com
