Due to extreme weather conditions convalescing with bushfire risk, Falls Festival Lorne has been cancelled. Some 9,000 festivalgoers have been told to pack up and leave after Day One of the festival, with tickets being fully refunded, including transaction and booking fees, from this morning.
Organisers of Falls Festival issued a statement on the morning of the 29th of December, stating that extreme weather conditions create, “a risk to health and safety due to potential fires, smoke, severe winds and tree hazards. The decision has not been made lightly, our patron and staff safety is our priority.”
In an effort to appease disappointed punters, Falls Line-up artists such as Halsey, Yungblud, Peking Duk, WAAX and Lime Cordiale have organised last minute concerts in Melbourne, with most donating all profits to fire relief.
Falls Festival locations Fremantle, Marion Bay and Byron Bay are expected to continue as normal, except for the Marion Bay Mainstage being closed today due to extreme winds and heat.
As fires rage in East Gippsland, music festival Beyond the Valley will continue, with BTV organisers issuing a severe weather warning and providing advice on how to avoid dehydration and heat stroke;
“Please keep hydrated, given the conditions we will have free bottled water available at the info hubs at each campsite. Seek shade during the peak heat of the day tomorrow. Shelter in the safety of your campsite while we wait out this extreme weather.”
For those QUT Students heading to Falls Festival Byron Bay, Woodford Folk Festival, Lost Festival Stradbroke Island or any other upcoming summer festivals, GLASS urges you to stay safe and alert while having fun. Here are our tips for making sure you stay safe this sizzling festival season:
- Wear breathable and protective clothing.
- Stay abreast of weather conditions.
- Locate medical and information tents when you first arrive at the festival.
- Wear sunscreen and seek shade in downtime.
- Stay hydrated.
- Monitor your alcohol consumption.
- Learn the signs of heatstroke and dehydration – look out for your friends as well.
- Avoid sleeping in cars or other hot spaces.
- Don’t drive under the influence when leaving the festival.
- Call for medical assistance if you need to. You won’t get in trouble from first-aid or paramedics if you’re drunk or drug affected, just get the help you need.
From all of us at GLASS, have a safe and happy festival season, and we’ll see you in the New Year.
