Festival organisers hang up hats on 2020 event

With heavy hearts, organisers have pulled the plug on a popular music festival in the Sunshine Coast hinterland due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For Weekend Extra: Gympie Music Muster 2017

WITH a "heavy heart" organisers have announced the cancellation of this year's Gympie Music Muster due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual event had a huge line-up of homegrown talent and was set to take place in the Amamoor State Forest from August 27 to 30.

Muster chairman Greg Cavanagh said while movement and gatherings may ease by August, it had become clear that moving forward with the Muster this year was "not tenable or responsible".

"This decision was made with a heavy heart, but following consultation with government and health officials, we know it is the right one and in the best interests of our artists, patrons, staff, contractors, volunteers and the community at large," Mr Cavanagh said.

"We are confident the Gympie Muster can weather this storm and will be back bigger and better for our 40th year celebrations in 2021."

2019 Gympie Muster - Peter Boyle, Sir Marc Harmer, Cyril Curley, Bev Curley, Pat Possum, Anita Curley, Brett Kermio, Robyn Brown, Harry Brown, Kay Wright

In the process of amalgamating this year's artists into next, programmer Emily Murphy set her sights set on creating a very special program for the big anniversary.

"We are working hard to deliver a wonderful celebration of our resilience and incredible live, original music for our 40th year," Ms Murphy said.

"The line-up will include Australian icons and Muster favourites with a few surprises in store.

"We are also looking at innovative and sustainable ways to support and bring the community together for a small slice of Muster throughout the next 12 months as restrictions continue to ease."

Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said the "iconic" event had helped shape the region for 39 years.

Gympie Music Muster 2016, Always a crowd favorite Kacey Chambers had the Muster patrons singing at the top of their lungs.Jason Dougherty/ Gympie Times

"Its loss this year will be keenly felt by the community but the right decision has been made," Cr Hartwig said.

"The council is 100 per cent behind the Muster and we look forward to celebrating together next year."

All festival and camping tickets purchased for the 2020 Gympie Music Muster are fully refundable or transferable to the 2021 festival, with patrons to receive an email shortly.

Gympie Music Muster is a not-for-profit event raising more than $15 million for charities Australia-wide since its inception.

Organisers say the Muster will celebrate its 40th festival in the forest on Thursday, August 26 to 29 next year.

For updates head to the Gympie Music Muster website www.muster.com.au.

Power cuts homes, but no rain damage