Annual Austria Snowbombing festival has unfortunately been cancelled due to the ongoing spread of coronavirus. The line-up included acts such as Liam Gallagher, Chase & Status, Rudimental, and Foals.
Snowbombing is a festival held at a ski resort in the Alps of Mayrhofen, Austria – this year the dates were set to be 13th-18th April. Attendees can enjoy music, parties, spas, food, drink and, of course, winter sports activities. This year was set to be the 21st Snowbombing festival and tickets had sold out. Check out the video of last year’s festival below.
The organisers announced the cancellation yesterday, 11th March, making a statement on Twitter. A spokesperson said “Following discussions with the Austrian authorities, it is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the cancellation of Snowbombing 2020.”
Following discussions with the Austrian authorities, it is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the cancellation of Snowbombing 2020. Click here to read our full statement and discover the next steps https://t.co/1EhBV1d3oh pic.twitter.com/5khaolz1jx
— Snowbombing (@Snowbombing) March 11, 2020
An announcement was also made on the official website, which explained the reasoning: “Today, the Austrian authorities placed a ban on all outdoor events above 500 people and indoor events above 100. This ban is in place from now until April 3rd and is likely to be extended.” The cancellation and ban are in place to protect the well-being of guests, artists, and crew.
Ticket holders were offered multiple options upon the announcement. Firstly, they may be issued a full refund. Secondly, those with packages can opt to keep their holiday in Mayrhofen and receive a £150 refund for the ticket only. Finally, they can transfer their ticket to use in 2021.
Some performers took to social media to let fans know and to share their feelings. Liam Gallagher wrote on Twitter “Gutted to have to cancel these gigs but as you know safety first“. He also asked fans to “stay safe“.
First Abu Dhabi now snowbombing whatever next gutted to have to cancel these gigs but as you know safety first fingers crossed we’ll have a cure for this thing soon and we can get back to the RnR stay safe stay young wash your hands and scrub yer toes LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) March 11, 2020
This is not the only festival not going ahead this year due to the coronavirus – SXSW, Ultra Music Festival, and America’s biggest festival of the year, Coachella have all been postponed or cancelled, along with many artists’ tours. Stormzy is just one of these artists, cancelling his shows in Asia back in February. We hope that the issue can be resolved as soon as possible, and the music scene can continue as normal.
