Omicron sees Womad NZ cancelled for second year in a row
Wednesday, 9 February 2022
The massive three-day Womad NZ music, arts, and dance festival has been cancelled for the second time in a row.
Womad 2022 was scheduled for March 18 to 20 at New Plymouth’s Brooklands Park.
Director of Womad International Chris Smith and Suzanne Porter, chief executive of the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (Taft), said it was heartbreaking to cancel again but that circumstances were out of their control.
“There is too much uncertainty surrounding large festivals and events, and what the growing threat of Omicron's spread in the community means. Ensuring the safety of our festival and the people of Aotearoa continues to be at the forefront of our response,” the pair said in a written statement.
**READ MORE:
* Womad proceeding cautiously until decision on whether to go ahead is made in two weeks
* Womad expected to be bigger and better for 2022 return
**
The three-day festival has taken place in New Plymouth most summers since 2003.
From 2003 to 2018 it generated $125.9 million, an average of $9m a year.
The event is attended by up to 17,000 people a day, with many travelling from outside Taranaki to attend.
After months of speculation, the 2021 festival was cancelled in December 2020 because of the risk organisers would lose millions if a Covid-19 lockdown prevented them from holding the event.
Over the years Womad at New Plymouth has played host to such acts as Sinead O'Connor, Dragon, The Specials, Neil Finn, and the Blind Boys of Alabama.
Because of border restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s event was to be an all Kiwi affair.
New Plymouth Labour MP Glen Bennett said it was ‘’sad’’ the event was cancelled for the second year in a row.
‘’It’s really gutting. But the good news is because of the Government’s stepping up with its Events Transition Support Payment Scheme, Womad will get 90 per cent of the unrecoverable costs that they missed out on.’’
The scheme meant Womad could plan for the event, which created employment, Bennett said.
New Plymouth mayor Neil Holdom said he was disappointed, but not surprised the event had been cancelled.
‘’Ultimately it’s a prudent decision and I don’t believe the board had any other option. But it will have an economic impact.’’
Holdom wanted to acknowledge the Government in ‘’picking up the tab, which was the saving grace’’.
Smith said the festival attracted thousands of visitors to the Taranaki region each year and had rightfully gained a reputation as one of the most beautiful outdoor festivals in the world.
‘’We're already setting our sights on Womad NZ 2023, our most exciting festival year yet, as we celebrate 20 years of Womad NZ making its home in the stunning Bowl of Brooklands and Brooklands Park, New Plymouth, Taranaki home.
“With the news that our borders will open on the horizon, it's looking highly likely that Womad NZ will be able to bring together artists from all over the world again over three incredible days of music, arts, and dance.’’
Venture Taranaki chief executive Justine Gilliland said the cancellation was another major blow to the region, which has already lost its annual Americarna Festival and a number of events at the Bowl of Brooklands.
“In 2020 Womad’s economic impact on the region was $6.1m. We look forward to supporting Taft to present Womad again in Taranaki for 2023 and will welcome the positive flow-on effects the festival has on the region.'
Tickets bought for this year’s festival will roll directly over to Womad NZ 2023. Tickets will remain valid and at the 2022 prices.
If festival goers cannot make the 2023 dates, refunds will be available through Ticketspace, at face value.
All ticket holders will be emailed with further information.