Another highly-anticipated Vancouver Island summer staple is throwing in the towel for 2020. The Victoria Symphony has cancelled the 31st annual Symphony Splash due to COVID-19.
The decision to cancel the event follows an April 19 announcement from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry that there will be no large gatherings this summer, despite the possibility of certain elements of the economy reopening.
Gatherings of 50 or more people were banned by the BC Government back on March 16 and health experts feel that won’t change anytime soon. Just in case you were wondering, the tens of thousands of people that attend the Symphony Splash each year qualifies as ’50 or more.’
“Obviously this is disappointing, but completely understandable. We are supportive of the outstanding guidance Dr. Henry has be providing the province,” said CEO Kathryn Laurin. “We’d like to thank all of our sponsors, Band of Heroes, local businesses, musicians, volunteers and of course the thousands of people who continually support this iconic summer event. We look forward to hosting a wonderful summer event next year.”
Along with the inner harbour-based event, the Victoria Symphony has said its cancelled the entire summer season including Beer & Beethoven and a Butchart Gardens performance.
The event typically features the Victoria Symphony, joined by special guest performers, on a floating barge in the Victoria harbour. Viewers come in hoards to pack the shorelines and enjoy an evening of music and fireworks. For eager fans, they can pull out next year’s calendar as the Victoria Symphony is planning to return to its floating barge the following summer on August 1, 2021.
This isn’t the first iconic Vancouver Island summer event to cancel for the 2020 season as earlier this week, Sidney announced it was pulling the plug on their weekly summer market as well as Sidney Days.
Graham Cox
