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Coronavirus pandemic forces postponement of Homegrown Music Festival

Wellington's annual Homegrown Music Festival has been postponed because of coronavirus.

The event was scheduled to take place on Wellington's waterfront on Saturday but will be moved to a later date, organisers said on Monday.

"The decision has been made based on conversations with authorities and best practice advice given around COVID-19 and mass gatherings," a statement said.

Organiser Andrew Tuck said a new date had yet to be determined.

"We are devastated, as the waterfront build was looking awesome, but we completely agree with the advice we have been given and we need to look at the bigger picture and what is best for the health of New Zealanders.

"We are grateful to all of our supporters and suppliers for their understanding in this tough and uncertain time."

The event is the latest in a growing list of events cancelled or postponed around the country because of the global pandemic.

Wellington's annual CubaDupa festival, scheduled for March 28 and 29, is also under serious threat, with a Government announcement pending on mass gatherings.

Tuck told Stuff shortly before Homegrown was postponed that organisers would wait for that announcement before making any decisions.

The possibility of refunds or ticket-holders who could not attend the rescheduled date was "being worked through", Tuck said.

A mid-year date had not been ruled out.

"Our goal is to make sure our punters get an event that were promised to them."

Organisers also posted on Facebook on Monday confirming the festival had been postponed.

"We are mindful that many of you have flights and accommodation that you may be able to save or change, so we pushed to get an answer before the scheduled Government announcement," the statement said.

"Based on the conversations with authorities and the advice given, we will not be able to run this weekend.

"We are devastated and are looking at all options as to how we move forward. We will be postponing but, as you can imagine, the logistics of that are huge and we need to wait on Government advice for dates.

"As far as refunds go, unfortunately, we don't have a clear answer on that as there are many factors involved. We appreciate your patience as we work through all of this, and we will let you know as soon as we do."

An addition to the Facebook post later on Monday referred to the event as cancelled, but Tuck said it would be postponed.

A Wellington-based ticket holder, who did not want to be named, said he was relieved to finally have confirmation of the expected postponement.

"I understand this has been a stressful time for them, as it has been a fluid situation and the recommended restrictions have constantly changed over the last few days, but the lack of communication has been a bit frustrating."

Organisers would have been better off to cancel the event, rather than postpone, the ticket-holder said.

"The logistics of setting up another festival of this magnitude are substantial and I can't see it happening within the next 12 months."

He was doubtful refunds would be given.

Meanwhile, one Facebook user said it was "disgusting" the event promoter was still facilitating ticket sales on its Facebook page.

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