Electric Picnic Fans Frustrated by Loyalty Scheme Ticket Failures

Frustration erupted among fans of the Electric Picnic music festival on September 3, 2025, when a loyalty scheme designed to reward returning attendees failed to deliver as expected. Many festival veterans who relied on early access codes found themselves unable to secure tickets, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.

The loyalty scheme has been in place for several years, allowing past attendees to apply for a special code. This code enables them to purchase discounted tickets during a presale period. While Electric Picnic promotes the initiative as a way to thank loyal fans, it clearly states that possessing a code does not guarantee ticket availability. The sale operates on a first-come, first-served basis, creating a highly competitive environment.

On the morning of the sale, a surge of demand overwhelmed the system. Attendees reported being placed in queues with tens of thousands of others, with some unable to even attempt a purchase until 10:00 AM. As tickets went live, numerous users who had applied for loyalty codes encountered difficulties. Some claimed they could not access their codes, while others found that their codes did not work, leaving them without tickets.

Social media platforms quickly filled with complaints from frustrated fans. One individual posted, “Loyalty is a complete and utter joke! I logged in from 7:56 AM until 11:00 AM and got nothing.” Another user expressed discontent, stating, “Loyalty me arse.” Many questioned how much additional revenue Electric Picnic may have gained from customers unable to utilize their loyalty codes effectively.

A long-time fan shared their disappointment on Reddit, stating they had attended the festival for 12 years and were “gutted” after being online at 08:30 AM only to find tickets sold out. Another attendee echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that despite joining the queue on time, they were still far down the line, expressing doubts about securing a ticket. “Am I wrong for thinking loyal customers should have some level of early access?” they asked.

As the situation unfolded, Electric Picnic’s social media channels became a platform for fans to voice their grievances. Many expressed their disillusionment with what they viewed as a failure to honor customer loyalty.

Ticketmaster has been approached for comment regarding the experiences of customers during the ticket sale. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of loyalty programs and their execution in high-demand situations.

This year’s Electric Picnic is set to be a significant event, and as loyal fans grapple with their experiences, the festival organizers will likely need to reassess their approach to customer loyalty and ticket sales to avoid similar backlash in the future.