Over 40,000 to Miss Christian Music Festival Due to Downpour

Organisers for this year's Collide Music Festival in the U.S. have announced that it will be postponed for one year due to excessive rain.

The Christian festival, originally scheduled to be held June 7-9 in Sherman, Texas, was expected to draw over 40,000 attendants in its first year. But after much prayer, event heads made the decision to postpone for the safety of everyone.

"After spending the past 48 hours seeking the Lord's will through prayer and counsel, we regret to announce that this year's Collide Festival has been postponed due to inclement weather," explained organisers in the Collide website.

The event had already signed on an impressive list of performing artists. Among the more well-known names were Michael W. Smith, Skillet, Jars of Clay, Mercy Me, Jeremy Camp, David Crowder Band, Barlow Girl, The Afters, Family Force 5, Falling Up, KJ-52, Thousand Foot Krutch, Building 429, Sanctus Real, and Ayiesha Woods.

According to reports, more than eight inches of rain had fallen in the area over the past two weeks, saturating the ground and making it impossible to set up stages, tents, and the surrounding vendors. In addition, more rain was forecasted over the days leading up to the festival which would have been needed for setup.

Although event coordinators thought about going on ahead with the festival, they realised that the safety of the people attending was more important.

"We have taken into consideration the safety of the 41,711 current ticket holders, as well as, those who are purchasing tickets daily," clarified the website. "Anticipating a crowd of 50,000 people coming together for praise, worship and ministry makes this decision that much more difficult. However, we feel it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment for all those who attend. We would rather postpone the festival and give you
a greater experience to look forward to next year."

Besides disappointing those who were planning on attending, the postponement has also hurt the ministry, which will not regain the costs that it has already spent on the preparations. Those in charge of the concerts have remained optimistic, however.

"We know that we serve a great God who 'causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose' and that He has a plan in all of this!" concluded organisers on the website.

Those who already bought tickets to the event can still hold onto them for next year's Collide Festival, where they will be still honoured. The 2008 dates are set for June 12-14. More information will be posted on the website as organisers gain more insight.

Concert coordinators have also asked for prayers to help stabilise the situation.