In the wake of the coronavirus epidemic, a series of upcoming festivals have been forced to postpone or cancel. MerleFest and Byron Bay BluesFest have announced that they are cancelled, while Charleston Bluegrass Festival has announced it is postponed.

Read statements from the festivals below:

Update from Charleston Bluegrass Festival:
Due to the circumstances out of our control related to the ever-changing worldwide situation with COVID-19 and coronavirus, and following the direction and advice of the CDC and WHO we regretfully report that the Charleston Bluegrass Festival will be rescheduled for a date later this year. Though South Carolina’s current threat related to this global pandemic is low, the scheduled artists, vendors, and staff come from areas all over the United States. Traveling to South Carolina to perform and execute this event during this uncertain time is neither a feasible nor prudent option. As we continue to monitor this situation, we are actively working on finding new dates that will align with the artists scheduled to perform. We realize this comes as a disappointment, we certainly share the feeling. We will announce a new date for the festival as soon as possible.

Update from MerleFest:
In response to directives from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and growing concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Wilkes County officials have cancelled all mass gatherings of more than 100 people in Wilkes County through the end of April. Therefore, MerleFest 2020 has been cancelled. While this decision is disappointing for all of us, we fully support the directive from our county officials. The health, safety, and well-being of all involved with MerleFest is, and always will be, our primary concern.

Update from Byron Bay Bluesfest:
To everyone involved with Bluesfest,
It is obvious we will not be on this Easter. We are heartbroken as we believe we were presenting one of the best ever bills of talent for you. I was in discussions right through last week with every headliner – they ALL said they’re coming as long as nothing occurred to prevent them from doing so. That is the level of commitment that our artists have, and I am proud of that. I must now thank every one of you for supporting us. The emails and posts are deeply appreciated at this time. We are now working through how to move forward and to give you details. I thank you for allowing us enough time to get everything in place for the best possible outcome for everyone.

-Peter Noble OAM
Executive Chairman

For a full list of shows/festivals impacted by COVID-19 visit Relix.com/Coronavirus.