‘Full steam ahead’ for Ekka and Splendour in the Grass despite climbing Covid-19 cases

The days of cancelling events due to Covid are now behind us, according to the experts, as organisers assure it’s full steam ahead for some of the biggest crowd-pleasers that are coinciding with the nation’s huge Omicron wave.

With the days of scrapping large scale events coming to an end, health experts and event organisers have weighed in on the best ways to stay safe at festivals and shows amid the third wave of Covid-19.

Massive gatherings including Brisbane’s Ekka and Byron Bay’s Splendour in the Grass are showing no signs of postponing after finally being able to open their doors again following two and a half years of lockdowns.

Infectious diseases expert Paul Griffin said it’s unlikely these events would be cancelled due to the pandemic, but people should be aware of the increased risk given the significance of the Omicron wave.

“The time of cancelling those sorts of events is probably behind us, but it’s really important people understand the risk of it being a superspreader event,” he said.

“People have been longing for these events and paid a lot of money to attend but if you’re unwell, you absolutely must not attend.”

Dr Griffin said those going to the festival should always consider being up-to-date with their vaccinations and wearing a mask in areas where they can’t social distance, including mosh pits and indoor food and drink setups.

The Ekka, which begins on August 6, is “full steam ahead” with the backing of Queensland Health, according to RNA chief executive Brendan Christou who said organisers can’t wait for gates to reopen.

“Since September last year, when planning for the Show started, we have been in regular contact with Queensland Health, and they have been fully supportive of the show’s return,” he said.

“On Sunday I spoke directly with the acting chief health officer who reconfirmed that nothing has changed, the Show will go on as normal and as planned in just over two weeks’ time.”

The Ekka is “full steam ahead” its opening in just over two weeks. Picture: Steve Pohlner

There is set to be more than 300 hand washing and sanitising stations around the showgrounds, and tickets will be online only this year so organisers can manage daily capacities and spread crowds around.

“It is important to note there are no government restrictions in place for major events like the Ekka, sporting events or major festivals,” Mr Christou said.

However, people will be encouraged to wear masks in the indoor pavilions.

“Our indoor areas make up just 30 per cent of the Ekka. More than 70 per cent of the Show is outdoors. We have more than 20 hectares of open space for Ekka visitors to wander around and enjoy,” he said.

Splendour in the Grass, which begins on Friday, also issued a statement to all ticketholders saying the event is being held in accordance with all New South Wales Government Public Health Orders and Covid-19 restrictions in place on the date of the event.

Currently in NSW, there are no vaccination, testing or general mask requirements which would be needed in the festival.

Crowds will also be back at Byron Bay’s Splendour in the Grass festival.

Festival organisers asked all ticketholders to “evaluate their personal situation and risk in determining whether to attend the festival”.

“If you are sick with any respiratory symptoms, please consider others and DO NOT COME to Splendour in the Grass,” the statement said.

Festival-goers were also asked to consider wearing a mask, noting that masks would only be mandated in the Medical Facility tent.

Meanwhile, sanitisation stations would be located around the festival and ticket holders were asked to “self-regulate” social distancing.

It was also mentioned that there would be no Covid-19 testing on site.