Fans of classic rock will have to wait another year before seeing some of their favourite bands play Prince George in a festival setting.
Organizers of Cariboo Rocks the North confirmed Monday that this year's edition has been cancelled due to uncertainty over what restrictions may remain in place in August when the event was scheduled to be held.
According to the province's restart plan, fairs and festivals with safety plans will be allowed starting July 1 but increased capacity for large organized gatherings like concerts will have to wait until Sept. 7 at the earliest.
"The definition of what a safety plan is is not yet out and even if it says fairs and festivals, it doesn't quite yet say how much capacity is acceptable," CRN management team member Kyle Sampson said. "We haven't been able to get clarity on those things."
It's the second year in a row the festival has been cancelled. However, they plan to host the event next year, Aug. 5-7, 2022, with a new lineup of acts. Tickets purchased for the 2020 and 2022 festivals will still be honoured.
"As much as we're bummed that we can't pull this event off in 2021, we're really excited to be back in 2022," Sampson said. "We know that this is going to give us even more time to really pull of something special, really come back in a big way."
Over the three days it was held in 2019, the festival drew a combined 10,000 people with the count including fans who attended more than a single day.
Sampson said organizers also wanted to give fans the heads up so they can make plans for the summer.
"Everyone wants to get back to some form of normal so just because we can't doesn't mean we don't want our fans out there experiencing anything they can this summer," Sampson said.
Those who have purchased tickets have a handful of options to choose from:
- Hang onto them for the 2022 dates and, for those with general admission tickets, be entered to win VIP upgrades or suite tickets to a 2021-22 Cougars hockey game.
- Camping pass holders can also retain their pass for use in 2022.
- The ‘no risk lineup guarantee’ continues. Ticketholders who change their minds after the new lineup is announced, are entitled to a full refund.
- Refunds will be offered to those who are unable to attend the 2022 dates. Ticket refunds will be available between June 21 and July 16 and will be administered via TicketsNorth/CN Centre Box Office by request only. Call 236-423-1157 for questions or to arrange your refund.
