Two huge summer musical festivals near Lake Cowichan have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic — Sunfest and the Laketown Shakedown.
In an announcement on their website, Sunfest organizers vowed to return July 29-Aug. 1, 2021, saying they will announce the 2021 lineup this fall.
Keith Urban was set to headline this year’s event, set for July 30 to Aug. 2.
People who have already bought a Sunfest ticket can hold onto it for a future Sunfest event or get a full refund, minus a ticket-processing fee.
Those who decide to keep their tickets will be invited to attend a private function July 29, 2021.
“We are grateful for your support and understanding and we wish you and your families continued health and safety,” organizers said. “We are heartbroken not to be seeing your smiling faces this summer.”
Like Sunfest officials, those at Laketown Shakedown said the cancellation was decided in accordance with government guidelines on social distancing. Wu-Tang Clan would have been the headliner.
The next Laketown Shakedown will now happen July 1-3, 2021.
Full refunds are being offered to pass holders, with those keeping their tickets receiving free camping in 2021 and an invitation to an exclusive show on June 30, 2021.
“We have been in constant communication with artists, agents, management teams, staff, government and health agencies over the last six weeks,” the Laketown Shakedown website said. “The volume of moving parts and people involved in these decisions is unprecedented.”
Both festivals take place at the Laketown Ranch Music and Recreation Park in Lake Cowichan.
