(Roots and Blues /Photo Credit Happy Heather)

By Kevin Rothwell

Cancelled After One Day

Salmon Arm Roots and Blues refunds slow

Sep 15, 2023 | 1:11 PM

The Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival is explaining why refunds from the event, which was cancelled after the first night are taking so long.

The event held a month ago was halted after the Friday evening performance due to wildfires.

“We wanted to reach out to let you all know that donation and refund options will be available soon, and our staff has been working diligently to make this possible,” The Salmon Arm Folk Music Society (SAFMS) stated in a media release.

The festival is put together by the Society, a non-profit charity, and is largely funded by revenue generated from previous festivals. For example, revenue from the 31st annual festival is reinvested to produce the 32nd annual event.

“However, as much of the work is done before the festival gates open on Friday night, and we are still obligated to pay our suppliers, contractors and artists for their services,” SAFMS stated. “Staff has been working with our suppliers and stakeholders to better understand the financial impact of cancelling the festival on Saturday morning.”

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Cancelling the festival triggered a new set of processes, actions, and negotiations that need to be established and approved before the ticket donation and refund process can begin.

“We will be sending out a follow-up email directly to ticket holders in the coming weeks with more information on what ticket types will be eligible for refunds and how you can go about that process,” SAFMS added. “Thank you all for your patience and understanding, and we will be in touch when we know more.”