Published on : Thursday, April 30, 2020
Jay Sweet, Executive Director, Newport Festivals Foundation said in a press statement that it has been concluded in a mutual decision with local leaders and Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo that organising the festivals at present would pose the risk of having a mass gathering, which goes directly against the social distancing measures related coronavirus.
He mentioned that all artists who were set to perform for both festivals this year have already been invited for the 2021 edition of the festivals. He also promised that everyone will commune on festival weekends in one way or the other. Fans who have bought tickets to either of the festivals are eligible to receive a full refund and apply their purchase to 2021 tickets. They can also donate all or part of their purchase to the festivals’ not-for-profit foundation.
Both editions of Newport are among the most influential music festivals in the world and attract thousands of visitors each year. The festivals have produced historic, commercially released recordings. However, the state is currently undergoing a stay-at-home order until May 8 and any form of gatherings involving more than five people are banned across the state.
This year the Newport Folk was scheduled from July 30 to August 2 and the Newport Jazz was set to take place from August 7 to 9. Both the festivals take place in Fort Adams State Park, along the Rhode Island seafront that was indefinitely closed on April 3.