In the Instagram post, the team said that despite “multiple attempts to find solutions,” a number of unforeseen circumstances beyond their control had made it impossible for the festival to proceed this year. They described the decision as one that was “not made lightly,” and thanked the festival’s patrons, artists, and partners for their support.
The organisers confirmed that all ticket refunds will be processed automatically, with funds expected to land in patrons’ accounts within one to three business days. No action is required from ticket holders.
As a consolation, Team Daisies said an alternative one-day show will be announced via the “IN THE CITY” platform, taking place across Johannesburg and Cape Town, featuring a lineup drawn from some of the international and local acts originally booked for Daisies. Tickets for that show were set to go on sale the same day as the announcement.
A milestone year cut short
The cancellation is a blow for what was set to be a landmark edition of the festival. Rocking the Daisies has run since 2005 and was celebrating its 21st year in 2026, with British singer-songwriter Jorja Smith confirmed as a headliner back in April – her first-ever performance in South Africa. The announcement had drawn mixed reactions online at the time, with many fans having hoped for Grammy-winning R&B star SZA instead.
Known for its “Play Hard, Tread Lightly” sustainability ethos, Rocking the Daisies typically draws more than 15,000 attendees to Cloof Wine Estate each spring, combining camping, multiple stages, fashion, art installations and a mix of international and homegrown acts. Past headliners have included Stormzy, Kehlani and Summer Walker.
No further details have been released about what specifically forced the cancellation. Team Daisies said updates on the replacement show would be shared via both the Rocking the Daisies and IN THE CITY platforms.
Fan reaction
The Instagram announcement quickly drew hundreds of comments from disappointed festival-goers, many expressing sadness at missing out on what would have been a milestone year, while others said they planned to catch the artists at the city shows instead.