MUSTER OFFICIALLY AXED

Elise Van AkenThe Kimberley Echo
Camera IconJess Mauboy was set to headline the Ord Valley Muster’s main attraction, the Kimberley Moon Experience. Credit: Steven Chee for InStyle/InStyle

A highly-anticipated festival in WA’s far north has been cancelled amid the COVID-19 pandemic

This afternoon Ord Valley Events Inc confirmed the region’s worst fears, releasing a statement saying the 20th Anniversary Ord Valley Muster in the East Kimberley has been deferred until 2021.

The festival’s main attraction, the Kimberley Moon Experience concert, has been made impossible by Federal Government restrictions on outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people.

Indoor gatherings of more than 100 people have also been restricted, impacting many of the festivals events, while WA Health Minister Roger Cook also urged people earlier today to stop non-essential interstate travel completely.

“In line with recommendations from relevant Australian Government agencies and State Health Authorities, we regret to announce that the Ord Valley Muster 20th Anniversary event has been deferred until 2021 and will not be taking place in May 2020 as planned,” the statement read.

“The decision to cancel such an iconic and economically important event followed extensive consultation and deliberation by the Board and key stakeholders.

“First and foremost, the Ord Valley Events Board is fundamentally committed to the health and safety of everyone in our community.”

All current ticket holders will receive a full refund for the cost of their tickets. More details to follow.

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