Releasing alternate routes to get into the festival due to the WA fires late yesterday, today Southbound organisers have announced that due to the fires in the festival's surrounding areas, this year's Southbound festival has been cancelled.
With the festival due to kick off today in Sir Stewart Bovell Park for the event's 12th year, promoters have stated, "After ongoing communications and information provided from the West Australian Police, Main Roads Department and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, we have no option but to cancel this year’s event. We cannot compromise patron safety and proceed knowing people’s lives are at risk getting to the event."
They state that the alternate routes provided yesterday have been compromised, with the roads now only open for "essential travel". With the fires recently reaching emergency status on Thursday, promoters state there was "no time to relocate prior to gates opening tomorrow".
"Festival patrons are now not able to use this road leaving us with no access to the festival site."
With thoughts extended to those affected by the fires, festival director David Chitty adds, "Everyone on site is absolutely devastated as we were working so hard to bring the best Southbound yet. Please understand at this time we will be extremely busy dealing with the cancellation and our thoughts are with those in danger due to the nearby fire."
Information on ticket refunds will be made available on Wednesday, 13 January.
