The excitement of Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival was unfortunately cut short this weekend due to severe weather and lightning threats in the area.
Attendees were encouraged to seek shelter in their cars or off-site locations on Saturday, and the entirety of events scheduled for Sunday were cancelled.
But Pilgrimage still had a great start on Saturday morning. Before the grounds were evacuated, the day was filled with music, vendors and food.
The Record Company commanded the Fender Midnight Sun stage early in the afternoon. The band’s signature blend of Americana rock and traditional blues started the day on a powerful foot. The combination of their harmonica-driven melodies, the excitement for the weekend to come and the clear weather kept the crowd in high spirits.
Other performances Saturday included Counting Crows, Dawes and Amos Lee.
When attendants weren’t enjoying the live music, the variety of vendor booths kept them occupied. The Maker’s Village showcased crafted goods like apparel, audio products, decor and bar supplies.
The Food Truck Park and Food Bazaar did not disappoint. Options included Nashville staples like Daddy’s Dogs and Franklin Juice Co. alongside other food vendors from across the state of Tennessee.
But at 4:27 p.m., an evacuation notice was given, cutting many artists off before — or even during — their sets.
“We strongly advise all guests to vacate the venue and seek shelter in your vehicles, across the street at The Factory, or at Liberty Elementary,” according to a notification from the festival on Saturday afternoon.
Artists including Hozier, Jack White and Lionel Richie had to cancel their sets when the festival grounds were evacuated.
All of Sunday’s performers, including Chris Stapleton, Bleachers and Brandi Carlile, also had to cancel sets.
While the event may not have gone as planned, it still made for an exciting weekend.
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This article written by Katie Knipper. Photos by Carina Eudy, Caitlin Alexander and Katie Knipper.