Lost Paradise festival cancelled due to NSW bushfire threat
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As bushfires continue to ravage NSW, Central Coast music festival Lost Paradise has been cancelled for 2019.
The festival has taken place each December at its Glenworth Valley location for the past five years, but after consultation with the Rural Fire Service and “key stakeholders”, organisers have been forced to can the sixth edition.
In a statement, organisers explained that to go ahead with the festival would be putting lives at risk.
“Our beautiful home in Sydney’s Central Coast is facing intense and unpredictable fire conditions that are sadly expected to deteriorate in the coming days,” said the statement.
Despite looking at other options for places to host the festival, it simply wasn’t possible.
“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.
As SMH reports, the fire danger across NSW remains elevated, with 2.7 million hectares of land burnt so far this fire season.
The Rural Fire Service says over 720 homes have already been lost this season, and six people have died.
Organisers also thanked ” 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.”
Organisers confirmed that all guests with tickets are eligible for a refund, and that each ticketing provider will provide details in the coming days.
Read the full statement below:
https://www.facebook.com/LostParadiseAU/posts/2894075944005965