Costa-del-sol Musicians, Promoters and Music Fans “surprised and upset” as Gibraltar Government organised events postponed or cancelled

Gibraltar has cancelled its Music Festival this year over fears of the Coronavirus citing insurance companies would not be able to cover the losses should the event have to be cancelled in September.

It’s happening already, live music events, shows and exhibitions are being postponed or cancelled over fears of the Coronavirus. Many entertainers and indeed promoters on the Costa-del-sol rely on working in Gibraltar and this has come as a blow.

All Government organised events expected to be attended by over 100 will be postponed or cancelled, this is just one of the preventative measures taken in the event of a full outbreak of the disease sweeping the world.

The Government says the main thing is to take precautions, to plan and not to panic. It reiterates the importance of simple health and hygiene measures.

Local Viewpoint

Speaking to Martyn Wood from Big M Promotions a familiar face in the music scene here in Spain and Gibraltar, it became apparent a few months ago that things were slowing down and events and “Gigs” were low on the ground now.

Martyn: “of course this has a knock-on effect on the work I can offer the musicians and entertainers here on the Costa, potential customers look at my web site, www.costadeldisco.com and see plenty of acts available but are holding back, they just cannot promise the booking will go ahead”

Events in Gibraltar Affected

The Drama Festival this month will take place but with NO spectators.

The Miss Gibraltar show is also under question

The Preparations for National Day, Calentita and Monkey Rocks will continue on the basis that these can be cancelled at the last minute.

The Government are asking all organisations, institutions, sporting and cultural bodies to follow its lead and reconsider the organisation of large group activities, particularly those where 100 or more attendees are expected.

The Rhythmic Gymnastics National Championships and the Gaelic Football Triangular Tournament planned for the weekend will go ahead with no spectators.

Other International sporting events such as the Snooker and Darts Open and the World Pool Masters will proceed with fewer than 100 spectators as tickets for these events have already been sold.

It’s not just Gibraltar, music events all over the world are being cancelled.

Mabel: Stormzy’s fellow Brit winner Mabel has cancelled the Italian leg of her European tour, on the advice of the Italian health ministry.

Louis Tomlinson: The former One Direction star has cancelled the Milan leg of his tour following the decree from the President of the Council of Ministers. He has advised fans to hold onto their tickets, promising to be back in Milan in July.

Avril Lavigne: The Canadian pop singer has cancelled 12 dates of her world tour in Asia, including Shanghai, the Philippines, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Mariah Carey: The American singer’s Honolulu concert, slated for March 10, has been postponed until November 28 – and will now be Christmas-themed.

Khalid
The entire Asia leg of Khalid’s Free Spirit World Tour was ironically held back by travel advisories in several countries.

BTS
K-pop powerhouse BTS was unable to kick off their Map of the Soul Tour at Jamsil Olympic Stadium in Seoul due to the global outbreak. Ticket buyers for all three nights will receive refunds and BTS will head onto the second stop of the tour, in California.

Stormzy
Fans in Asia were unable to see Stormzy’s “Heavy Is the Head World Tour” due to coronavirus cancellations. “I was seriously looking forward to bringing the #HITH World tour to Asia and playing some epic sold-out shows but due to the ongoing health and travel concerns surrounding the Coronavirus, I’m regrettably having to reschedule this leg of the Tour,” Stormzy tweeted.

Green Day
Green Day cancelled several planned tour dates in countries affected by coronavirus: Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, Taipei, Hong Kong, Seoul, Osaka, and Tokyo. The band has not announced plans for the next leg of their tour, which takes them through parts of Europe dealing with the outbreak.

And that is just a few, I suggest you think carefully before buying any tickets for festivals and events unless they come with a full refund policy.