When events are cancelled due to extreme weather, pandemics, government restrictions, or other extraordinary circumstances, you may see the term "force majeure" used by organisers. Some use it as a reason not to offer refunds. But does it actually override your rights? Here is what you need to know.
This article provides general guidance on force majeure in the context of event tickets. For legal advice on a specific situation, consult a solicitor.
What is force majeure?
Force majeure is a legal concept meaning "superior force" -- an event or circumstance beyond the reasonable control of either party that prevents one or both from fulfilling their contractual obligations. Common examples include:
- Natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, severe storms)
- Pandemics and public health emergencies
- Government orders (lockdowns, restrictions on gatherings)
- War or terrorism
- Infrastructure failure (widespread power outages)
Force majeure is not a catch-all excuse. It must be specifically defined in the contract (the ticket's terms and conditions), and the event must genuinely fall within the definition.
Does force majeure cancel your refund rights?
This is the crucial question, and the answer is: not necessarily.
In English law, force majeure does not exist as a default legal principle -- it must be written into the contract. Even when it is included in the terms and conditions, it typically excuses the organiser from liability for damages (compensation beyond the ticket price), not from the basic obligation to refund the ticket price itself.
The key distinction is:
- The service was not provided -- You paid for a specific event and it did not happen. Regardless of why it did not happen, the fundamental exchange (your money for the event experience) did not take place.
- Force majeure may excuse the organiser from additional liability -- They may not owe you compensation for travel costs, hotel bookings, or other consequential losses. But the ticket price itself should still be refundable.
What the CMA says
The Competition and Markets Authority has issued guidance on this issue, particularly in the context of events cancelled during the pandemic. Their position is clear:
- If an event is cancelled and the service is not provided, consumers are generally entitled to a refund.
- Force majeure clauses should not be used to deny refunds for cancelled events.
- Organisers can offer alternatives (credit, rescheduling), but consumers should have the option of a cash refund.
Common organiser arguments -- and how to respond
"Force majeure means we don't have to refund."
Response: Force majeure may limit liability for additional damages, but the CMA's guidance is that consumers should still receive a refund when a service is not provided. Your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 apply.
"We're offering credit instead of a refund."
Response: You can choose to accept credit, but you are not obligated to. A cash refund should be an option.
"Our terms say no refunds for force majeure events."
Response: Contract terms that attempt to exclude statutory rights are unfair and potentially unenforceable under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Steps to take
- Request a refund in writing -- Contact the organiser or ticketing platform. State that the event was cancelled and you are requesting a full refund.
- Reference the CMA guidance -- Mention that the CMA has stated consumers should receive refunds for cancelled events regardless of the cause.
- Set a deadline -- Give them 14 days to respond.
- Escalate -- Chargeback, Section 75, Trading Standards, or small claims court if they refuse.
When force majeure might limit your claim
Force majeure is more likely to limit your claim for:
- Consequential losses -- Travel, accommodation, and other costs incurred because of the cancellation.
- Events that are postponed rather than cancelled -- If the event is rescheduled and your ticket is valid for the new date, force majeure strengthens the organiser's position that a refund is not required.
Transparent policies matter
The best event organisers and platforms are upfront about how they handle force majeure situations. At Tickts, we believe fans deserve clarity. If an event cannot go ahead for any reason, ticket holders should know their options -- including the option of a full refund. Hiding behind legal jargon is not how to build trust with your audience.
Summary
Force majeure does not automatically cancel your right to a refund. If an event is cancelled and the service is not provided, you should be entitled to your money back regardless of the cause. Do not accept "force majeure" as a blanket reason for a refund refusal. Assert your rights, reference the CMA guidance, and escalate if necessary.
