In yet another knock-on effect of the devastating NSW bushfires, the Lost Paradise festival has been forced to cancel this year’s event, saying that it is too dangerous to proceed in light of current conditions.
Organisers released a statement confirming the news earlier today, saying:
After extensive consultation with the Rural Fire Service, emergency personnel and other key stakeholders, the difficult decision has been made to cancel this year’s Lost Paradise festival.
Our beautiful home in Sydney’s Central Coast is facing intense and unpredictable fire conditions that are sadly expected to deteriorate. We simply cannot put anyone’s life at risk. We have been working around the clock to explore all possible options to relocate the festival, but it is just not feasible within the timeframe.
The Lost Paradise expressed their regret to all those involved, saying:
We would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard over the past twelve months to create this year’s event – the artists, performers, teachers, yogis, vendors, sponsors and production crew, and of course our amazing Lost Paradise community who have supported us for six incredible years. We are truly devastated that we won’t be able to bring the festival to life.
We would also like to express our immense gratitude for the brave emergency teams who are doing all that they can to protect the bushland around the site. This is a heartbreaking time for our country. Our thoughts are with the affected communities across Australia, and the hero firefighters who continue to work in extreme conditions.
Festival organisers say that all guests will be eligible for refunds and that they are working closely with ticketing providers and insurers to process these as quickly as possible.
Ticketing providers will be able to provide more details of the refund process.
Lost Paradise thanked punters for their understanding, and has promised to be “back bigger and better than ever in 2020.”
