Garma Festival cancelled amid coronavirus concerns

The annual Garma Festival, held in northeast Arnhem Land, has been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.

The 2020 Garma Festival has been cancelled amid coronavirus concerns. Picture: Melanie Faith Dove

THE annual Garma Festival, held in northeast Arnhem Land, has been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.

The festival, which was set to be held from July 31 to August 3 in Gove, is Australia’s largest indigenous Festival.

A spokesman from the Yothu Yindi Foundation, which runs the festival, made the announcement on Friday.

“The Yothu Yindi Foundation (YYF) regrets to inform the public that this year’s Garma Festival has been cancelled due to the global coronavirus pandemic,” the spokesman said in a statement.

“The decision by the YYF board is in line with the latest government advice, and reflects our

fundamental concern for the continued health and wellbeing of Yolngu people and our Arnhem Land communities.

“Given the uncertainty over how long restrictions will remain in place, rescheduling this year’s event is not an option.

“For those who have already purchased tickets for Garma 2020, YYF will be offering a full refund, as well as a credit option to roll over your ticket for next year’s festival.”

The festival is typically attended by about 2500 people from around Australia.