LOVELOUD FEST is a music festival taking place August 26, 2017 in Orem, Utah meant to raise awareness for LGBTQ+ youth. The lineup includes Imagine Dragons, Neon Trees, Krewella, Nicholas Petricca of Walk the Moon and more. Tickets went on sale immediately, the first 1,000 tickets sold cost only $11 to the purchaser, and unsurprisingly, sold out within minutes. Prices now range from $25 for general admission to $200 for a VIP experience which includes early entrance, a goody bag and an acoustic set by Dan Reynolds.
A video with information about the festival, including the meaning behind it and what’s included is posted below.
LOVELOUD is a new foundation, aimed towards acceptance of LGBTQ+ youth between society, no matter ones religion or beliefs. A statement on the LOVELOUD website reads:
“The LOVELOUD Foundation was founded in 2017 by Dan Reynolds, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons, to help ignite the relevant and vital conversation of what it means to unconditionally love, understand, accept and support LGBTQ+ youth in an effort to keep families together.
LOVELOUD is the catayst of bringing communities together to ignite a conversation that celebrates individuality. It all begins with talking about, sharing and showing the realities of what LGBTQ+ teens face daily. Dan Reynolds said, “I want LOVELOUD to engage a passionate and supportive audience in the fight against teen suicide and to bring communities together to start a conversation that focuses on recognizing individuality.”
LOVELOUD offers hope to young people, letting them know they’re not alone and encouraging acceptance in the home and community.
This organization is committed to creating a community of inclusion. The goal is the create support and resources for those in crisis. LOVELOUD hopes to provide insight into recognizing and helping those in crisis, supplying resources to those wanting to learn more, and imparting guidance on how to more effectively start a conversation with family and friends.”
The festival was first announced in June during Dan Reynolds speech at the Trevor Project Live Night while accepting the “Hero Award”. In the 11 minute speech, he talks about going on a mission trip, his wife and reiterate’s that “love is love is love.”
Reynolds talked with Billboard earlier this year, touching on the fact that he is Mormon so many fans have assumed that he is not accepting of them since they are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, “That was devastating and it broke my heart to get letters like that. I’ve written back to these people to tell them, “No, I do support you and I’m here for you.” It’s been a driving force for me to raise awareness and make a difference and not just sit back to let people feel that hurt. “It’s Time” reached a lot in a lot of different ways.”
Tickets for the LOVELOUD FEST are available to purchase here. Are you planning to support the show? Tweet us @CelebMix!