Australian festival-goers will be disappointed to hear the popular Falls Festival has been cancelled.
The New Years Eve festival began on Saturday in the Otways in Lorne, Victoria.
Because of the sweltering hot heatwave predicted to reach 40C on Monday, authorities, fearing the New Year’s Eve fireworks could spark fires, have cancelled the event due to uncertain weather conditions.
"It is with a heavy heart we have had to cancel the remaining days of the Falls Festival in Lorne due to the predicted extreme weather conditions forecast for Monday, December 30th in the Otways," said the organisers in a statement.
According to The Guardian, around 9,000 people are already camping on-site.
The organisers said the forecasted conditions have gotten significantly worse in the past 12 hours.
They stated the surrounding region creates a risk to health and safety as the trees could pose as a fire hazard.
But despite the obvious safety hazards, people intending to attend the festival are upset.
"I TRAVELLED 12+ HOURS AND SOENT SO MUCJ TO GET TO LORNE FOR FALLS FESTIVAL TO SEE HALSEY AND THEY CANCELLED IT (sic)," said one person.
Another individual was upset but understanding.
"Daughter was heading to the Falls Festival today but it's been cancelled. :(
"I think the right decision has been made, due to weather, but it sucks for all involved."
People have been urged to avoid camping in the Otways.
"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," organisers said
Tickets will be refunded.
