S'pore Expo event cancelled at last minute leaves vendors in lurch, police called to venue
It was promoted as "three days of music, food and games".
An event called Trifecta Fest x Mangobossku that was supposed to be held at the Singapore Expo from July 12 to 14 was cancelled at the last minute, leaving many vendors in the lurch.
The organiser, Enigma Collective, had posted on Instagram on July 11 that the event was not cancelled.
"Despite the rumours some of you have heard, Trifecta Fest is still a go, guys!" said the post. "We have not cancelled the event and setup day is still tomorrow!"
But later the same day, the organiser posted a joint statement from Enigma Collective and Singapore Expo that said the event was "currently awaiting approvals on the relevant regulatory permits that were submitted".
Enigma Collective added: "As we're bound by a legal contract, we cannot disclose any more information without the approval of Expo SG."
On July 13, the organiser posted that the event had been cancelled on July 12 at 6pm.
The post read: "Please do not head down to Expo if you are heading to this event."
But vendors had already turned up at Singapore Expo as early as July 11 to set up, including streetwear seller Premium Overlord, who posted a TikTok video of himself at the venue, saying that that he was informed the event was still taking place.
Other videos show a large group of people outside the Expo in the night after the event had been cancelled. Police cars and officers can be seen as well.
Another vendor, Sistas X'Quizit Closet, who sells shawls, posted on TikTok that she was unable to get a full refund and some of the Trifecta Fest vendors would be at Istana Ballroom in Marine Parade Promenade over the weekend.
In response to a Stomp query, the police said they received a call for assistance at 1 Expo Drive on July 12 at about 7.30pm.
In the course of interviewing the parties involved, police officers established that a 32- year-old woman had a warrant of arrest issued against her for failure to attend court for alleged prior offences. She was subsequently arrested. Police investigations into her case are ongoing.
In June, a dumpling festival at Orchard Gateway was cancelled when it was found to be operating without a permit.
