Person who embellishes the truth offered famous musicians for music festival that was never held

A recent BBC News investigation has uncovered a fascinating deception orchestrated by James Kenny, a convicted fraudster who planned an elaborate make-believe music festival featuring Glastonbury headliners, Hollywood stars, and even a country’s government, all from his elderly mother’s kitchen.

This fraudulent festival, named Monmouth Rising, was set to be a grand three-day event with a capacity of 45,000 people, scheduled for the August bank holiday weekend, billed as the world’s first hydrogen-powered music festival. With a stellar lineup including bands like The Killers, Pulp, Def Leppard, Wet Leg, and The Libertines, it seemed to promise an unforgettable experience. However, it was all built on a foundation of lies.

Kenny, a self-proclaimed bar manager who previously managed hotels and a nightclub in Liverpool, presented an ambitious multi-million pound festival proposal to industry insiders, claiming to have secured funding from influential investors such as John Vincent, co-founder of the restaurant chain Leon. Initially, many were captivated by his grand vision, believing that he might actually pull it off.

Yet, as time went on, doubts began to emerge. Employees and suppliers who were initially convinced of the festival’s legitimacy started questioning its authenticity. Deposits for bands weren’t paid, license applications weren’t submitted, and investors Kenny claimed to be in contact with denied any knowledge of him. It became evident that the entire festival was a facade orchestrated by Kenny.

The deceptive nature of Monmouth Rising extended beyond its fictional lineup and grand promises. Employees and suppliers described a clandestine working environment where critical information was withheld, and uncertainties loomed. Headline acts weren’t officially announced, ticket sales numbers were undisclosed, and details regarding the festival were shrouded in secrecy. Many individuals who contributed to the festival, including music producer Chris Whitehouse, found themselves entangled in a web of broken promises and unfulfilled commitments.

Genevieve Barker, one of the few individuals privy to Kenny’s secretive dealings, shared her experience of feeling “lovebombed” into a role as head of partnerships for the festival. Tantalized by the prospect of a career move after years of child-rearing, she was lured into a toxic work environment filled with false promises and isolation. Like many others involved in Monmouth Rising, Barker was left reeling from the sudden disappearance of promised payments and the alarming collapse of the festival’s facade.

As the truth behind Monmouth Rising unraveled, employees and suppliers found themselves entangled in a web of deceit and financial distress. Kenny’s carefully constructed charade had left a trail of broken promises, unpaid debts, and shattered dreams in its wake. The story of this ill-fated festival serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of investing in grandiose schemes built on a foundation of lies and deception.