The BRD AUTO SHOW and FESTIVAL, scheduled for August 15-16 at the Argyrnak Hippodrome in Astana, was cancelled just before it began. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

In the morning, organizers and guests were met by akimat officials and police.

Ardan Aralbayev, chief specialist of the department of socio-political work and social advertising of the Astana Internal Policy Department, explained to those gathered that the event was cancelled due to non-compliance with the safety instructions for holding mass sports and entertainment events.

When asked who would bear responsibility for financial costs and ticket refunds, organizers were told they could go to court if they wished.

"Dear citizens, peaceful gatherings and processions are held only in coordination with the Astana akimat. I ask you to stop this event as it is not coordinated," announced Ruslan Sabitov, an employee of the Nura district akim's office, over a loudspeaker.

Even the request of Anatoly Bondar, head of the Astana Motor Sports Federation, to allow the last festival to be held, after which the federation would cease its activities, had no effect.

"We have held more than 500 events in Kazakhstan together with the authorities. I am ready to hold the last event today under my guarantee. The guys will just stand, there will be no stage, noise or music, but with this we are closing the federation," Bondar stated.

After that, police asked those gathered to disperse, warning that otherwise the gathering would be considered illegal and police would take measures.

One of the organizers, Dmitry Karpinsky, said that the hippodrome territory was rented for two days and that the organizers have all the permits to hold the auto show. About 2,000 tickets were sold for the first day, priced from 3,000 to 8,000 tenge.

"Police began restricting car access to the site since yesterday evening. I wrote a corresponding statement. Now we will consult with lawyers, we will return the money for tickets. I have not received an official document on closing the territory and cordoning off," he said.

After that, organizers, participants and guests of the festival began to disperse.

Earlier, Kursiv Avto wrote about which cars were shown at Automechanika 2026 in Astana.