Organisers of the 2021 Big Red Bash in Birdsville say the event is still going ahead despite a rash of community Covid outbreaks.
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A few weeks ago it was the Melbourne outbreak causing concern with a decision due on July 1 though with restrictions lifted in that state, it looks as if they will now be able to make the journey.
The problem now is a major outbreak in Sydney, though issues in the NT and Brisbane are also a concern.
In a message released Thursday, the Big Red Bash team said they were still going "full steam ahead and focused on the final preparations" for the Bash which is on July 6-8 with Paul Kelly due to top a big bill of artists.
"Our full set up and production team are on the ground in Birdsville, works are underway at Bashville and after a two year wait, we're getting ready to rock the Simpson in less than two short weeks," they said.
"We are aware that Queensland (and other State) border restrictions are changing rapidly as the Covid 19 situation in Sydney develops."
The Bash said event organisers could not provide advice surrounding each state situation.
"It is your responsibility to review the relevant State Government advice on a regular basis and keep up to date with the restrictions that apply to you, based on your personal situation," they said.
"We know this is an unfortunate situation for all affected, and we are absolutely devastated that some patrons who've been looking forward with anticipation and excitement for so long will no longer be able to be with us this year."
The Bash said they were aware many from newly declared hotspots were already on the road and are transiting through safe zones and will be permitted entry to Queensland.
"We want to reassure you that if you have been approved to enter the state via the Queensland Border Declaration Pass, you will not be denied festival entry," they said.
They will provide replacement tickets to the 2022 Big Red Bash to ticket holders from any hotspots who are directly impacted.
"As the event is going ahead and the restrictions and border closures are outside of our control, we are unable to provide ticket refunds," they said.
"We'll be back in touch with impacted ticket holders towards the end of July to advise the process for applying for replacement tickets for 2022.
"Our event staff are now fully focused and extremely busy organising the final arrangements for this year's Bash and will therefore be unable to respond to questions regarding anyone's personal or individual situations at this time."
The festival will be proceeding with the current Queensland Health approved Covid 19 safety plan with mandatory check in via the Check In QLD app.
At the festival, there will be marshals to enforce socially distanced seating in the concert area and indoor areas such as merchandise will abide by the maximum capacity for each designated space.
The Bash said some artists may not be able to attend due to the Queensland border restrictions, though they did not say who.
"We've been working on this scenario for some time, and we have some incredible artists stepping in who we know you're going to love," they said.
The good news is that due to border restrictions, capacity has become available and early entry passes are now available while festival tickets are also available from earlier customer re-sale requests. Festival tickets and early entry passes can be purchased here.
READ ALSO: New local virus cases in Queensland
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
