Almost four months after plans were shared for an “all Australian” edition, Falls Festival has today announced its 2020/2021 event has been cancelled, with organisers revealing they’re taking a raincheck.
In a statement shared this morning, the Falls Festival team announced that the event “will no longer be taking place this year”, with COVID-19 restrictions, and the ongoing spate of infections making it “impossible” for the festival to be held as planned.
“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,” the statement explained.
“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.
“However, 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.”
Dear Falls Fam, #FallsFestival will no longer be taking place this year. We are working with government stakeholders and key agencies to get Falls back in the calendar but always your safety is our priority. Consider this a raincheck. More info here: https://t.co/7BZWFP1pUr pic.twitter.com/joSRvSlGVV
— Falls Festival (@fallsofficial) August 25, 2020
Holding its first edition in Lorne, Victoria back in 1993, the festival has since expanded to a number of locations around the country, however, considering its home state is currently battling more than 150 new COVID-19 infections per day, organisers have been forced to make the difficult decision just four months out from when things would usually kick off.
“As we work with government stakeholders and key agencies to get Falls Festival back in the calendar, as always your safety is our priority,” the statement from organisers continued. “Consider this a raincheck and please know we will be back with more information as it comes to hand.
“In the meantime, we’re sending love to our Victorian Falls community. Hang in there! And to all of our Falls fam, stay well and safe. We hope to be with you all again soon.”
In early May, it was revealed that Falls Festival would be going ahead with a “home grown” edition across the new year, though organisers were adamant that the event would only go ahead if advice from officials deemed it safe to do so.
Just last month, news came forth that Falls’ Marion Bay leg had been axed for the coming year in an effort to ensure the “long term viability” of the annual festival.
Although no details regarding the lineup or dates of the 2020/2021 event had been shared, fans are undoubtedly shattered to learn of the latest (albeit temporary) blow to the festival scene. More details about Falls’ eventual 2021 return will be shared once they come to hand.
