Falls Festival cancelled due to extreme weather conditions

THE 2019 Falls Festival in Lorne has been cut short due to predicted extreme weather conditions forecast for tomorrow (Monday, December 30) in the Otways and surrounding region.

The conditions are predicted to create a risk to health and safety due to potential fires, smoke, severe winds and tree hazards.

The festival began yesterday (Saturday, December 28) but in a statement issued this morning, organisers said “forecasted conditions have gotten significantly worse in the past 12 hours, with information coming to light that has not been available to us before the event kicked off”.

“After consultation with local and regional fire authorities and other emergency stakeholders, it is clear that we have no other option. While conditions are fine at time of writing, we are taking the opportunity to move everyone offsite safely and in good time.

“The decision has not been made lightly, our patron and staff safety is our priority.”

The 9,000 people staying at the Falls site now have been asked to “calmly pack up your campsite and return to your place of origin”, with gates to close at 9am tomorrow.

“There is no need to rush, please ensure you have a sober driver. TAC will have breath testing facilities set up on site for drivers from the Vanessa Bus in the Main Arena.”

All traffic will exit via Mt Sabine and Deans Marsh roads onto the Princes Highway.

“The Great Ocean Road is at capacity, please do not return into Lorne or other coastal townships as they are all subject to the same extreme weather conditions. Do not look to camp in the Otways or any forested area, as the fire risk is extreme and there are forecast wind gusts of 90-100km per hour with possible lightning.”

Food, medical and sanitary facilities will remain open all day today, but music and bars will not be operating.

Those driving to the festival have been asked to return home or seek temporary accommodation with family or friends. An information centre will be set up in Geelong, head to fallsfestival.com for updates over the coming hours.

All ticket purchasers to the Lorne 2019 event will receive a full refund including booking and payment processing fees. Falls events in Byron, Marion Bay and Fremantle are unaffected.

“We are gutted to make this call but the safety of our patrons, artists and staff is our main priority,” Secret Sounds chief executive officer Jessica Ducrou said.

“We would like to thank our regional emergency management team, Surf Coast Council, SES, Police and CFA for their support and advice during this time. We would also like to thank our Falls family who work year round and over the last few weeks who have put their heart and soul into Falls Lorne, we are forever grateful.

“Please take care getting home safely.”