Gympie Muster cancelled for the 2nd year running due to Covid

The Gympie region has been dealt a huge blow with the iconic event, which draws thousands of people from across the country, called off for the second year running.

The Gympie region has been dealt a huge blow with the shock cancellation of the Muster for the second year running.

Gympie’s tourism has been dealt a huge blow with the Muster cancelled for the second year in a row due to lockdowns caused by the latest Covid outbreaks in New South Wales and Victoria.

Organisers delivered the news late Thursday afternoon saying this year’s event, which would have been its 40th birthday celebration, had to be called off despite ticket sales exceeding expectations.

Organisers said although a Covid plan was in place “the risks involved in continuing with the festival (were) escalating daily”.

“In the interest of the Gympie Music Muster’s long-term sustainability and our brand we have had to make the hard decision for all involved,” the organisers said.

“Our 40th celebration was shaping up to be the best Muster ever.

This year’s Muster was to be its 40th birthday celebration.

“Ticket sales have exceeded all our expectations with a third of our patrons coming from interstate.

“Patron’s, Sponsor’s and Vendors funds are not ours until such time as we are able to deliver our event.

“Financially the event relies on unrestricted travel to and within the Queensland for patrons, artists and suppliers.

Chase Rice performs at the 2019 Gympie Muster.

“We are a Not-For-Profit organisation and the current situation and the uncertain future poses an unacceptable financial risk.

“Unless the event can be delivered with a full program and with unrestricted interstate attendance, we cannot deliver value for our patrons and guarantee payment to our suppliers.

“In the event of a late cancellation or any sudden lockdown we simply could not refund tickets and pay suppliers which would be financially catastrophic for the future of the event.

Organisers are turning their eye to the 2022 event when a large proportion of Australia is vaccinated and travel restrictions loosened.

“This announcement today is one we desperately did not want to make.

“This decision has not been made lightly as our team has been working tirelessly and were ready to deliver a first-class festival, that you all know and love.

Organisers have now turned their eye towards 2022 when the majority of Australians will have been vaccinated and travel restrictions relaxed.

All current ticket holders are being given the chance to transfer their tickets to the 2022 event, scheduled for Thursday August 25 to Sunday August 28.

“Many of our Muster family – ticket holders, artists, contractors, volunteers and vendors come from far and wide and we feel it is only fair that we notify all as soon as possible,” the organisers said.

Originally published as Gympie Muster cancelled for the 2nd year running due to Covid