PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Organisers of Plett Rage announced in a statement on Wednesday that advice from Bitou authorities, public pressure and a request from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) led to the cancellation of the event which was scheduled to take place from 29 January to 6 February 2021.
“It is clear to us that regardless of the measures and precautions that we had put in place to ensure the safety of our attendees, the coronavirus is uncontrollable. The risk that this poses to you, our staff, our suppliers, artists, as well as the greater community does not warrant pushing forward,” read the statement.
“Please keep in mind that the postponement affects a significant number of people who would have worked both directly and indirectly in the beautiful town of Plettenberg Bay at the end of January. While the cancellation of the festival affects you, the attendee, it also impacts approximately 900 lives - including event staff and locals that are directly linked to hosting the festival.”
They added that they had worked harder than ever before, “during one of the most trying times of all our lives, to try and give you the gift of celebrating the end of your high school career safely”.
“We can assure you that there is no team more driven than we were to host you all in Plettenberg Bay and our hearts are broken.
“The Bitou Municipality and Plett Tourism are in support of this change as it is in the best interests to ensure the safety of the students and their families. We are steadfast in promoting #SafeTravels for all guests in Plettenberg Bay, and we want the students to enjoy every moment while in Plett and encourage a positive experience. We are looking forward to hosting this event in 2021,” Bitou municipal spokesman Andile Namntu said.
“With regard to our refund policy, we now find ourselves in an extremely difficult position. In the lead up to the event, we have continued to incur significant costs. As much as we would love to give everyone back as much money as possible, we simply cannot afford to refund more than 50% in line with our existing terms and conditions. If you are in a position where you do not need the money and want to help give the Plett Rage Festival a fighting chance, we would like to offer you the opportunity to hold onto your ticket until we go on sale next year. When we go on sale we will give you the first opportunity to resell your ticket at next year’s price and receive 75% of its value back,” organisers said.
“Either way, whether you take the refund now or help us promote Plett Rage 2021, your refunded ticket will be valid for next year's event. We will even throw in an exclusive use area and bars for the class of 2020. To say thank you for supporting us.”
'We bring you the latest Garden Route news'
