Falls Festival joins the long list of cancelled music festivals this year as organisers blame the current pandemic and border restrictions on the cessation of their 2020 event.
Falls Festival has cancelled their 2020 event that was set to take place over New Years Eve 2020/2021. The decision was announced by organisers in a statement over social media revealing the reason for the cancellation was due to the continuing Coronavirus pandemic and border restrictions that are in place across the country.
“…given the current status of things and border restrictions in place, it won’t be possible to hold Falls Festival in our regular New Year’s timeframe.”
In May organisers announced that the festival would go-ahead with their renewed all Australian lineup as organisers saw the brunt of the pandemic easing.
“In May, as the nation seemed to be moving into recovery mode, we were optimistic about forging ahead and supporting our local industry with an all Aussie edition of Falls Festival.”
Earlier this year organisers announced an all Australian lineup as overseas travel bans remained in place. The touring festival usually takes place in Lorne, Marion Bay, Byron Bay, and Fremantle over New Years and into January.
In July Falls Festival cancelled the Tasmania leg of the tour where the festival usually takes place in Marion Bay. Talking about the decision to skip Tasmania organisers told triple j;
“During these unprecedented times, and like most industries, we must adjust our business operations to allow us the best opportunity for long term viability.”
Discussing the cancellation in their recent post to social media the festival expressed its disappointment in not being able to assist the struggling music industry that is feeling the weight of the current pandemic.
“We were especially excited to reunite many live music fans, get industry crew back on the job, and contribute to the economies of the communities where Falls takes place.”
The festival expressed its concern for the safety of all punters at the festival indicating that this was another reason for cancelling the event. It’s a real shame that we’ve lost another music festival this year with 2020 shaping up to be one big disappointment.
“As we work with government stakeholders and key agencies to get Falls Festival back in the calendar, as always your safety is our priority.”
Although organisers announced a cancellation of the event, they indicated that Falls Festival would be back in action at a later date.
“Consider this a raincheck, and please know we will be back with more information as it comes to hand.”
Falls Festival is one of the many music festivals that have been cancelled this year due to the ongoing pandemic that is severely damaging the music industry with almost all live events on hold. Most festivals or gigs have had to cancel or postpone their events to 2021 including major music festival Splendour In The Grass.
It is unclear how music festivals will function in the future with social distancing becoming the new norm. Downsizing of festivals and social distancing measures are expected in future if music festivals are to continue.
The music industry is already adapting with social distancing measures at festivals and drive-through concerts. Who knows whether this will be the new norm for live music as the Coronavirus pandemic persists throughout the world.
See the full Falls Festival statement below.
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