With artists such as Drax Project, The Beths, Kora and Gin Wigmore set to perform, Wellington's annual music festival Homegrown has been cancelled because of the Omicron outbreak.
It's the second time in 15 years the festival hasn't been able to run, the first cancellation was in 2020 when Covid arrived in New Zealand. The event, usually attended by more than 22,500, was to have been on March 19.
Homegrown managing director Andrew Tuck said it became apparent the event needed to be cancelled following information and guidance received by organisers over the past few days.
"We're devastated, we thought at the start of summer we were going to sneak through, but it feels right to call it now for everyone's safety, Also, now we can take a breath and regroup and see how we can make next year's event even better."
Tuck said organisers have been blown away by the incredible support they have received. Refunds are being offered or tickets can roll over for next year.
Organisers said they are engaging in the Events Transition Support Scheme to help facilitate support for artists and suppliers affected by the cancellation.
"We are just working through the logistics of the Government Insurance Scheme now," Tuck said.
Homegrown joins the growing list of events cancelled in Wellington because of the Omicron outbreak. Wellington's Round the Bays was recently cancelled for the first time in 22 years, with Omicron modelling ruling out the option of postponement.
