Falls Festival In Lorne Has Been Cancelled After One Day Due To Extreme Weather Risk
“We are gutted to make this call but the safety of our patrons, artists and staff is our main priority," said promoter Secret Sounds co-CEO, Jessica Ducro.
Falls Festival in Victoria’s Lorne have cancelled the rest of their 2019 festival, due to the extreme weather conditions forecast from tomorrow in the Otways and surrounding region, as the ABC reports.
The festival, run by promoter Secret Sounds, made the announcement this morning, citing a “risk to health and safety due to potential fires, smoke, severe winds and tree hazards”. Temperatures in the area are due to reach 41°C.
“The decision has not been made lightly, our patron and staff safety is our priority,” they continued. The festival opened on Saturday afternoon.
“After consultation with local and regional fire authorities and other emergency stakeholders, it is clear that we have no other option. While conditions are fine at time of writing, we are taking the opportunity to move everyone offsite safely and in good time.”
It is with a heavy heart we have had to cancel the remaining days of The Falls Festival in Lorne due to the predicted…
Posted by Falls Music and Arts Festival on Saturday, 28 December 2019
Jessica Ducro, co-CEO of Secret Sounds, thanked regional emergency services, as well as Falls staff in a statement:
“We are gutted to make this call but the safety of our patrons, artists and staff is our main priority. We would like to thank our regional emergency management team, Surf Coast Council, SES, Police and CFA for their support and advice during this time.
“We would also like to thank our Falls family who work year round and over the last few weeks who have put their heart and soul into Falls Lorne, we are forever grateful. Please take care getting home safely.”
It has been requested that the 9000 people currently camping at the festival “calmly” pack up and leave before 9am Monday, when the festival’s gates will be closed.
No music or bars will be open today, only food, medical and sanitary facilities. “There is no need to rush, please ensure you have a sober driver.”
It is advised that punters make their way out of the area via Princes Highway, as the Great Ocean Road is at capacity and nearby coastal areas are also impacted by the extreme weather.
“Do not look to camp in the Otways or any forested area, as the fire risk is extreme and there are forecast wind gusts of 90-100km per hour with possible lightning.”
Last night, Falls Festival was headlined by John Farnham and Vera Blue. Vampire Weekend, Halsey and Disclosure were expected to perform later in the festival, which was scheduled to wrap on New Year’s Eve.
Festivalgoers have been promised a full refund, including booking and payment processing fees.
Cancelling falls festival in Lorne because of extreme weather events is fucking hugeeee. This country is crumbling as a result of climate change and our leaders are failing to act.
— ? MAGGIE ? (@plantmumma) December 28, 2019
Earlier this month, the festival vowed to donate $20 from every ticket sold between 17-24 December to Falls Byron Bay to the NSW Rural Fire Service, in the wake of the bushfire crisis in the state.