The Pitch Music & Arts Festival 2024 organisers announced on Sunday afternoon that they would be cancelling the remaining portion of the event in Moyston, 15 km west of Ararat in Victoria.
“Nobody is in immediate danger. We encourage everyone on site not to rush, calmly pack up and depart” their Instagram said.
“Please remember to stay hydrated, and be patient and calm with staff and each other.”
Thousands of ticket holders were told to leave due to “extreme fire danger,” leaving many of them without phone reception. This confusion was felt by many of the attendees.
Ally Gropoili had made the trip all the way from Perth to attend the music festival. She was there for two days before the news it was cancelled. The 21-year-old criticises poor communication from organisers, and also says poor phone reception has been an issue for days.
“I feel we haven’t been given clear instructions what to do, they’ve just told us to leave, but having no reception is making it difficult. I just want to call my mum.”
Three individuals were admitted to hospital during the festival, which began on Friday and was scheduled to last until Tuesday.
A man in his 20s was flown to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne at around 4 a.m. on Sunday, where he reportedly died from a suspected overdose.
Organisers took to Instagram to share their sadness and concern.
“Our thoughts are with their family, friends and anyone in our wider community affected by this.”
Two other festival goers were transported by ambulance to the hospital.
Authorities in the area are warning that the heatwave, which was upgraded from severe too extreme on Sunday, could exacerbate the harmful effects of drugs, especially MDMA, as it stimulates the temperature within your body and causes hyperthermia and dehydration.
Organisers have not confirmed whether attendees will receive a refund. A statement from Sunday expressed gratitude for people’s patience and a promise to notify ticketholders “as more details become available.”
“Getting everyone on site home safely is our top priority right now.”
Festival attendee Anneka Kenner has to say, “I had to save up so much money to afford this event, as the tickets are nearly $500 and not to mention paying for the flights from Perth also”.
“If there’s no compensation it’s literally blind robbery”.
The festival’s organisers have been accused on numerous occasions of endangering participants by holding the event despite the extreme heat.
“They should have cancelled this event prior as the fires were still going on, so why not stop the event and save everyone’s time and money”.
