Richmond's Iron Blossom music fest has a new venue

• "Conversations about an alternative site started after there was a strong response to the festival launch," a spokesperson for the festival tells Axios.

Why it matters: While locals were excited about big-name acts playing Richmond, there was immediate backlash about Monroe Park being a poor venue choice when the festival was announced in early May.

• Concerns shared on social media included traffic, whether the park could handle expected crowds and pedestrian safety around the venue.
• Some folks dubbed the inaugural event "Richmond's Fyre Festival."

Of note: The venue change was in the works before the shooting in Monroe Park this week.

What they're saying: Richmond police are working with festival organizers to ensure "a positive, safe experience for festival goers and those in transit across the city," a spokesperson for the police department tells Axios.

The initial permit applications were submitted on Jan. 18, per the festival spokesperson.

• The city's permit application for Monroe Park, dated May 3, said they planned to close the streets around Monroe Park and anticipated 10,000 attendees.

Be smart: The two-day festival is organized by a group of experienced concert promoters, including Virginia Beach's IMGoing, Charlottesville's Starr Hill Presents and Richmond's Haymaker Productions.

• Tickets start at $179.50 for two-day passes. Single-day tickets are not available, and the lowest-priced tier ($149.50) sold out the day tickets went on sale.