Covid-19 crisis cancels popular Salmon Arm music festival

The COVID-19 crisis has claimed another popular event.

The Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival announced on its Facebook page the annual event will not be going ahead in 2020.

“It is with a heavy heart that the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society will be announcing that the 2020 edition of the ... festival will not proceed in the traditional format,” organizers stated. “While we had remained hopeful that the healing powers of music and community would have the opportunity to prevail, for the safety of everyone involved, and in accordance with provincial directives, we will not be able to proceed with the 2020 festival as planned.”

Organizers said the festival will be back for 2021.

Roots & Blues is offering refunds on tickets, but people will also have the chance to support the event, even though it has been cancelled.

Patrons can opt for a full refund, a partial refund and donate the remainder to support future festivals, or they can donate the entire ticket purchase. Tax receipts will be provided.

A full refund will be provided for all camping bookings.

The festival was supposed to take place Aug. 15-18.

The festival can be added to an ever-growing list of large events that have been cancelled due to the coronavirus restrictions and it is likely there will be more cancellations of large events.