The Lunar Electric music festival due to take place this Saturday, December 18, in Newcastle has been cancelled under a Public Health Order.

A statement was issued by NSW Health on Thursday afternoon, two days before the festival was scheduled to take place at Camp Shortland and Foreshore Park.

“NSW Health considered that the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in the Newcastle area,
where the majority of a record number of cases are the Omicron variant of concern,
presents too great a risk for the festival to take place this weekend,” the statement read.

“NSW Health has advised the organisers of the festival this afternoon of the
cancellation.

“NSW Health continues to be concerned about the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in the
Newcastle area, where several venues and events have now seen extensive transmission.”

The statement also mentioned the importance of practising COVID-safe behaviours over the holiday period.

“The emergence of the Omicron variant is a timely reminder of the importance of
booster shots in maintaining a high level of protection against the COVID-19 virus,” NSW Health said.

“We urge people to get their booster dose as soon as they are eligible, to best protect yourself, your loved ones and the community from the ongoing transmission of COVID-
19.”

Festival-goers were initially unclear on whether the event would go ahead following the current COVID-19 outbreak in the Newcastle area.

Lunar Electric organisers had previously issued a statement on Wednesday, December 16, assuring attendees that the event would proceed.

“We’ll be taking extra precautions to help make the event as safe as possible,” festival organisers said.

“That means we’ll be getting everyone to check-in, mask-wearing will be encouraged when not social distancing, eating or drinking.”

Lunar Electric organisers had also planned to issue rapid COVID tests to anyone presenting symptoms at the festival.

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said he was relieved to hear the news.

“I’ve been liaising with authorities today on this, and I’m relieved that NSW Health has agreed with our community that the risk is too great,” he said.

Hayley McMahon