WINNIPEG -- The Winnipeg Folk Festival has made the decision to cancel the summer festival due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
The festival made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon, saying the health of festival-goers was first and foremost.
The festival was scheduled for July 9 to 12 at Birds Hill Provincial Park.
Full refunds will be available for people who purchased tickets, though the festival asked people to consider donating their ticket as a tax-deductible contribution to the Folk Fest.
"You may have heard that arts organizations are being devastated by this crisis - the Folk Festival is no exception," the festival said in a written statement. "While there won’t be a festival this year, your help is still critical. If you are able, we invite you to please make a gift."
Ticket holders will receive an email with more instructions about getting a refund or making a donation.
PERFORMER DIES FROM COVID-19 COMPLICATIONS
Singer-songwriter John Prine died on Tuesday, April 7 from COVID-19 complications at the age of 73.
In March it was announced that Prine was part of Folk Fest’s 2020 lineup of performers.
