In a letter published on the Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival social media pages, they have confirmed that sadly this year’s festivals will be cancelled. 😢
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to evolve unpredictably and in accordance with state guidance on large gatherings, we are deeply saddened to announce that both the 2020 Newport Folk and Newport Jazz Festivals will be cancelled this summer. Together with our local leaders and Governor Gina Raimondo, we have concluded that at this time we risk too much in having a gathering of our size.
So sad.
As devastating as it is to write those words, it’s balanced with a renewed sense of, well, HOPE. It’s Rhode Island’s motto for good reason and it’s also the feeling you, our festival family, constantly exudes when we come together in good times and perhaps more importantly, in difficult times as well. This community is truly unlike any other in music, and I believe we can emerge from this hardship stronger and more connected than ever before.
They’re offering ticket holders the chance to get a refund or roll their money into the 2021 festival, which the organizers make clear would be preferred to keep the festival’s financial future in good shape.
For anyone that wasn’t going to make it anyway, they’re encouraging you to donate to keep the festival alive.
Although we won’t be able to gather at the Fort this summer, rest assured we have invited ALL the announced artists to join us next year. In the meantime, we promise we will all commune one way or another on our festival weekend. As always, we have some secret surprises in store as well, so stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. Until then, stay strong and folk on.
Read the full statements below.
