Joining what artistic director Kerry Clarke calls “the crushing cavalcade of COVID cancellations,” the Calgary Folk Music Festival announced that it would not be holding its 2020 summer event.
In a release sent out on Thursday, organizers noted that it was “with heavy hearts, we need to share that we have to cancel the 41st annual Festival on Prince’s Island Park due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19.”
The release continues: “We know it is tough news for our folk family. We care deeply about our community and everyone’s health, safety and well being. We support all public health efforts to return to normal and to be able to safely gather again. We are grateful to our huge, beautiful community and entire ecosystem: The audience, sponsors, donors and funders, creative artists, our large, dedicated volunteer core, suppliers and local businesses, food vendors and artisans.”
This year’s festival was scheduled for July 23 to 26 on Prince’s Island, with announced headliners that included The National, Lucy Dacus, Orville Peck and William Prince.
Those who’ve already purchased tickets or passes for the event can request a full refund or alternately, should you wish to still support the folk fest — an incredibly worthy charitable arts organization — you can donate your ticket for a tax receipt.
As noted, the number of events and festivals that have announced their cancellation due to the pandemic is growing, with the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo earlier in the week pulling the plug on its 15th anniversary celebration, which had already been postponed from the original April dates to the end of July.
In their release, Calgary Expo noted: “When we postponed the April show to July, we believed that would be enough time for things to settle down. We have been in touch with community partners, and despite all of our efforts and collaboration, it has become clear that July is not viable option.”
Fans who’ve already purchased tickets or weekend passes for the scheduled July 17-19 event, will “receive full refunds via their financial institutions in the coming days.” As well, according to the release, “organizers are currently working with vendors to provide refunds and extend options for 2021. Calgary Expo’s 15th anniversary is currently planned for April 22-25, 2021.”
More information is available from calgaryexpo.com.
