Queensland events cancelled or postponed due to coronavirus

A number of major Queensland events are being cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus crisis, with the ban on mass gatherings of 500 people or more taking effect from today. FULL LIST OF LATEST CANCELLATIONS

AN unprecedented ban on mass gatherings of 500 people or more takes effect in Queensland and across Australia today.

It is the latest fallout from the coronavirus crisis, which has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation.

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Here are the latest events cancelled or postponed:

James St Up Late

AN ANNUAL shopping event along one of Brisbane’s trendiest precincts has been cancelled amid fallout from the coronavirus.

The ninth annual James St Up Late, due to be held on the evening of March 26, would’ve seen up to 3,000 eager shoppers flock to the precinct.

Retailers typically discounted products on the night, causing a frenzy of tightly-packed shoppers to descend on the Fortitude Valley street.

But a James St Initiative spokeswoman has told The Courier-Mail the event will no longer go ahead, the latest event cancelled due to the Federal Government’s ban on events of over 500 participants.

As a replacement, a number of shops along the precinct would extend their discounts to the entire day in a bid to “even out” the flow of customers.

The spokeswoman said updates to trading hours and retailers participating in the day would be posted at jamesst.com.au

BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL 2020

“It is with a sad face and heavy heart we announce all remaining Brisbane Comedy Festival performances have been cancelled to meet the Federal Government’s directive on limiting non-essential mass gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” a statement read.

EAT STREET

“The Prime Minister of Australia has announced that “gatherings of more than 500 people are cancelled due to the coronavirus” – means Eat Street Northshore will be closing temporarily after Saturday night 14th March 2020 and reopening when we have the “all clear” to do so,” a statement read.

Eat Street NorthShore. Picture: Supplied

The Big Pineapple Music Festival in Woombye

The festival was meant to take place on May 30 but will be postponed. A statement from organisers read, “Any tickets purchased for the original date will be valid for the new date or if you can’t make it, you’ll be able to apply for a refund.”

The Big Pineapple Music Festival, Woombye, 2019. Supplied by Scrabble PR.

CMC ROCKS QLD MARCH 20, 2020

“It is with deep regret that the CMC Rocks QLD team announces the postponement of the 2020 event, due to take place in Willowbank, QLD next week,” a statement read.

“As a result of the Australian Government’s announcement this afternoon, holding the festival is now infeasible and as such, the March festival cannot proceed as planned.”

World Science Festival Brisbane

“These are unprecedented times, and following recent advice from the Prime Minister on mass gatherings, Queensland Museum Network is cancelling World Science Festival Brisbane 2020 (25-29 March) and some of the remaining World Science Festival Queensland events,” a statement read.

Cancelled Brisbane events include:

All World Science Festival ticketed events in Brisbane

City of Science free public 4 day event

All schools programs

The Turtle Hatchery.

Other cancelled World Science Festival Queensland events include:

World Science Festival Queensland in Gladstone 20-21 March

World Science Festival Queensland in Toowoomba 18-20 April

World Science Festival Queensland in Townsville 15-16 May.

Byron Bay Bluesfest (April 9 – 14)

“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,” a statement read.

HOME OF THE ARTS (HOTA)

“It is with a heavy heart that we have taken the decision to close HOTA from midnight tonight, until the end of March. This decision has not been taken lightly and we believe it is in the best interests of our community, staff and artists,” a statement read.

“This decision in many ways feels counter intuitive. Arts and culture has a ‘show must go on’ spirit but as we look to our friends and partners across Australia and the globe, we felt this decisive action is in everybody’s best interest.”