SYDNEY, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The iconic Falls Music festival in Australia has been cancelled after just day one of its four-day schedule, with a severe risk of bushfire forcing organisers to pull the plug.
Around 9,000 campers who attended the Lorne event in the Australian State of Victoria were told via social media and text message on Sunday to calmly pack their things and head elsewhere.
"It is with a heavy heart we have had to cancel the remaining days of the Falls Music Festival in Lorne due to the predicted extreme weather conditions... creating a risk to health and safety due to potential fires, smoke, severe winds and tree hazards," organisers said online.
Temperatures above 40 degrees, strong winds and the risk of thunderstorm meant that the possibility of a bushfire was too high to keep campers at the location.
Ticket holders were informed that they will receive a full refund in coming days, as they make alternative plans for how to spend New Year's Eve.
Cars lined up to leave the venue which by Monday morning was a ghost town, although drivers were warned not to get behind the wheel if they were intoxicated.
Headlining act, American singer Halsey sent a message to her fans via social media, saying that while the decision is a disappointing one, keeping people safe is the most important thing.
"Obviously I'm super devastated because I came all the way here and was really excited to play the show," she said.
"But (I'm also) happy because it's important that Falls is keeping you guys safe in regards to extreme weather and the potential fires." Enditem
