LOCH HART MUSIC FESTIVAL 2020 CANCELLED
Loch Hart Music festival organisers have release the following statement:
We will not be hosting Loch Hart Music Festival in 2020.
It is with a heavy heart that we must vacate our November 2020 dates. Given the current state of things in Victoria this is unlikely to come as a shock, however, it is still an extremely difficult decision to make.
In an industry that has been devastated by the pandemic, we are one of the fortunate festivals. Although we began preparations for Loch Hart 2020 in January this year, we have had the benefit of foresight, which was not afforded to some.
We have exhaustively explored the possibility of alternate dates, shifting to a socially distant festival, reducing our size, capacity or amount of days, and even the possibility of a drive-in festival.
Ultimately, in the current environment even the best-laid plans can come unstuck. We can only run a festival that we truly believe in and that pays homage to the culture and community that has been built at Loch Hart 2018 and 2019.
We are at a pivotal time in our growth as an emerging music festival. We doubled our numbers in our second year, while maintaining our intimate and friendly atmosphere. This put us on a trajectory that we were eager to explore in 2020. To potentially halt this growth is nothing short of heart wrenching.
What we can tell you is that we plan to use this year off to make some dramatic additions. We are going to double-down on our environmental responsibilities, install new site infrastructure, explore new arts genres, and cast an open mind to what the future of Loch Hart may be.
We understand that everyone is feeling the shocks of this pandemic, and some industries have been absolutely decimated. The music industry was one of the first hit, and it will likely be one of the longest impacted.
Victoria’s live music scene is recognised globally, with Melbourne having more live music venues per capita than any other city in the world. These venues provide emerging artists with rooms to play, allowing bands to practice and grow, providing promoters the ability to put on festivals, and ultimately giving Australians a range of world-class live music events.
This scene must be protected. For the music industry to bounce back, there must be financial assistance from government, as well as the support of fans.
However, there is a way you can help today and it doesn’t cost a cent!
We are calling on all live music fans to reach out to their favourite band, artist, venue, or festival and let them know you’ll be there to support them when they’re back! A simple wall post, DM, or tagged photo will help to boost morale in these uncertain times.
It could be as short as – Hey Alice Ivy, killer album you just dropped! I cannot wait for your next show!! or… Yo Corner Hotel, I am going to be back standing behind that pole as soon as I can!
The reality is that behind every giant band, huge venue, or mega festival is an artist, publican, or promoter, who would love to know they have your support.
See you all in November 2021 revamped, bigger and better than ever!