On Thursday, Organizers of Tomorrowland Winter music festival in France announced that they have canceled the event this year. This is largely due to health concerns. The French government wants to contain the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.
This annual festival was supposed to run March 14-21. It was supposed to be held at the French Alpine Ski Resort Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski. However, the French government has just introduced new regulations. They have banned all indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 people. This is part of their efforts to contain the country’s coronavirus outbreak.
Official Statement
“Today, it is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that the French government has decided to cancel this year’s edition. Since Saturday we were in close contact with the French government about the impact of the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) and we finally received their official decision. The French government is taking drastic measures regarding the COVID-19 virus in France. Therefore they are enforcing the cancellation of large events, bringing together people from different nationalities on closed festival grounds and event locations.”
-The Tomorrowland organizers announced on the festival’s website Thursday.
Following this announcement, the organizers said they would contact all festival visitors via email. However, it is unclear if and how those who have booked tickets will be compensated. Huge EDM artists such as Armin Van Buuren, Afrojack and Steve Aoki were slotted to perform at the Tomorrowland Winter Festival.
Consequently, this is only the latest in a string of French events to be shut down by the coronavirus. On Wednesday, international television market MipTV, set to kick off at the end of the month, was canceled. They cited the new government regulations as the cause. Additionally, France has also closed down schools, especially in hard-hit areas in the country. Dozens of concerts, cultural and sporting events have also been cancelled or postponed. Due to the outbreak, it seems the French government is seriously worried.
Tomorrowland in July On Schedule
Fear not though, as the next next edition of Tomorrowland is still scheduled to go ahead as planned. This festival will be set for July 17-19 and July 24-26. It will be held in the Belgium town of Boom.
Coronavirus Statistics
As of March 4, there have been 285 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in France and four deaths, making it the worst-hit country in Europe after Italy. According to the World Health Organization, more than 93,000 people worldwide have been confirmed infected by the coronavirus and more than 3,000 people have died from the illness.
