Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is the latest casualty in a string of cancelled events that are sweeping the nation due to coronavirus.
Natalie Xenita, executive director of IMG’s fashion events group for the Asia Pacific region released a statement today.
“Due to the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC)’s mandate against holding non-essential, organised public gatherings of more than 500 people in light of global health concerns regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus), we regret to share that Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2020 will not take place,”
The news comes as a blow to the brand, which was set to celebrate the event’s 25th anniversary this year. The company has assured those who paid for registration and tickets that it will begin rolling out refunds in the coming days.
“We thank our incredible designers, producers, partners and staff for their support of the Australian fashion community and look forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2021.”
Alternatively, some companies are choosing to postpone events rather than cancel them all together. Splendour In the Grass has just released a statement announcing the rescheduling of the festival until October. The major headlining acts, Flume, The Strokes and Tyler, The Creator have all confirmed their attendance along with most of the supporting performers.
The new date will mean that Splendour in the Grass will take place in the spring, a time when Byron Bay sees below average rain fall and a standard of 24° days. Ticket holders have been given the option to apply for a refund via moshtix, but with such a large amount of notice and the promise of good weather- it’s hard to imagine why you would. The “Once off Spring edition of Splendour” will be it’s 20th anniversary, and it’s sure to be a big one.