Videos posted on social media showed people trashing the area around the Pacific National Fair Amphitheater, which included tearing down tents and throwing objects. Organizers of the two-day Breakout Festival released a statement on Twitter saying that Lil Baby was “too sick to play” and that some refunds would be offered. “We know you were looking forward to seeing him, but these circumstances are beyond our control,” the statement said. Other videos show the crowd booing while the statement was read on stage by an organizer. PNE said the decision was made immediately before the headliner was scheduled to start and that staff members were not informed of the change until after Lil Baby had left the stage. A witness who recorded several videos of the ensuing riot told CTV News the scene was “absolute chaos.” “I’ve never seen anything like it, to be honest. It was just a bunch of out-of-control kids,” said Matt, who asked to be identified only by his first name. He estimated that the violence continued for about an hour and only stopped because the rioters ran out of things to break. There were about 5,200 people inside the festival grounds, and officials estimate that about 1,000 of them remained at the PNE after the headliner was canceled, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage inside the Amphitheater and the surrounding area in Hastings Park. . “We understand that there has been additional damage to property outside of Hastings Park, to the community and to local businesses. For this we are incredibly sorry to our neighbours,” PNE said in a statement. “This display of senseless violence and aggression has shaken our team.” Vancouver police confirmed they have arrested seven people in connection with the riot. “Officers were already inside the venue providing extra security when several hundred people started fighting and destroying property,” said Const. Tania Visintin in a press release on Monday. “Dozens of extra officers were redeployed from other areas of the city to restore order, with some officers throwing bottles and other objects at them.” No injuries were reported. Along with vendor booths and overturned garbage cans, tables, tents and refrigerators were knocked over and thrown, police said. “We will conduct a full and thorough investigation into the actions of anyone who damaged property, endangered concertgoers, or committed other criminal acts,” Visindin added. “Although this investigation will take time, we will bring criminal charges against those involved in this violence and destruction.” PNE said it will work with Breakout Festival organizer Timbre Events and the insurance provider to ensure “full and timely repair” of all damage both inside and outside the property. Several other last-minute changes were made to the festival lineup. On September 13, promoters announced that Lil Uzi was no longer able to perform “due to unforeseen circumstances”. Then on September 16, another notice on social media said that Polo G and Sofaygo won’t be playing either. With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Alissa Thibault and St. John Alexander
