Like so many other Canadian music events, the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival has been forced to cancel its 2020 event due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 40th anniversary of the festival was set to take place in the city from June 19 to July 1, but that will no longer be the case.
The decision to cancel the festival came after the City of Ottawa announced this morning that it would be extending the closure of all city facilities, services and public gatherings until at least June 30.
"The ordinance forbids gatherings in groups until further notice," a press release from the festival states. "Given this new reality along with the cancellations of our many presenting partners, the Ottawa Jazz Festival has no choice but to cancel this year's edition. Obviously, we deliver this news with a very heavy heart."
Organizers add that ticket holders and pass purchasers can get a full refund (minus ticket processing fees), convert their 2020 pass to a 2021 pass or convert their order to a charitable donation to the festival."
Further details will be released soon on the festival's website.
"Currently, the festival's programming team is exploring ideas to provide opportunities for artists and audiences to share in a rich and moving musical experience but no firm plans are in place as yet," organizers write. "Our hearts go out to the hundreds of musicians, contractors, our sponsor hotels and restaurants, businesses and everyone who has been affected by this pandemic. Please remember to follow the directions of our health officials: stay indoors until further notice. We will be there to welcome you when it's time to gather again."
The 40th anniversary of the festival was set to take place in the city from June 19 to July 1, but that will no longer be the case.
The decision to cancel the festival came after the City of Ottawa announced this morning that it would be extending the closure of all city facilities, services and public gatherings until at least June 30.
"The ordinance forbids gatherings in groups until further notice," a press release from the festival states. "Given this new reality along with the cancellations of our many presenting partners, the Ottawa Jazz Festival has no choice but to cancel this year's edition. Obviously, we deliver this news with a very heavy heart."
Organizers add that ticket holders and pass purchasers can get a full refund (minus ticket processing fees), convert their 2020 pass to a 2021 pass or convert their order to a charitable donation to the festival."
Further details will be released soon on the festival's website.
"Currently, the festival's programming team is exploring ideas to provide opportunities for artists and audiences to share in a rich and moving musical experience but no firm plans are in place as yet," organizers write. "Our hearts go out to the hundreds of musicians, contractors, our sponsor hotels and restaurants, businesses and everyone who has been affected by this pandemic. Please remember to follow the directions of our health officials: stay indoors until further notice. We will be there to welcome you when it's time to gather again."
