Woodstock 50 permit denied

With just over five weeks to go, Woodstock 50 has come across another major roadblock. The permit required to stage the anniversary festival at Vernon Downs in upstate New York has been denied.

The festival was originally scheduled to take place at Watkins Glen, NY, but was moved after that location cancelled the contract last month. Producer Michael Lang also had to deal with financial investors pulling out in recent months.

Oneida County Administrator Anthony Picente Jr. told Variety that it’s ‘highly unlikely’ the festival will take place at Vernon Downs. “We could have done this with a year or 16 months advance, but to do it in three to six weeks is really a near impossibility from a public safety and health standpoint.”

The organizers of Woodstock 50 still believe the festival will take place from August 16 to 18. The Killers, Dead & Company, Santana and many others are booked to play.