Max SteventonWelsh festival Cowchella has been forced to change its name by AEG-owned promoter Goldenvoice, the company behind the 125,000-capacity Californian festival Coachella (pictured), after it made a copyright complaint due to similarities in their festival names.
Launched by a team including Ian ‘H’ Watkins, from pop group Steps, the festival in Cowbridge, in the Vale of Glamorgan, has now been rebranded, with its social media and details on ticketing platform Eventbrite updated.
Cowchella has been re-named Moo-La-La Festival. Reportedly, Watkins said it was “mind-blowing” that the festival had to change its name. However, he also pointed out that it was taken as “a massive compliment.”
Watkins said the forced rebranding had created financial issues: “We’ve spent a lot of money on marketing and flyers and posters and banners that are all visible around the town. So yes, those will have to go in the bin.”
The event, under its new name Moo-La-La, will go ahead on 2 August with original tickets still valid. The event is to be hosted by Watkins, along with actress Claire Sweeney and BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans. The lineup consists primarily of pop tribute acts.