A beloved music festival in Prince George will take place in the New Year, but will feature restrictions amid COVID-19.
Coldsnap 2021 will be taking place Jan. 29 to Feb. 6 with venues and an artist line-up set to be announced at a later time, according to the Prince George Folkfest Society.
The organization says it hopes to host live audiences for the 14th annual event, but only if it is permitted by the provincial health office to do so.
The decision comes after, what the Society says, months of careful thinking, consultation and consideration of health and safety protocols, as well as orders in place by Dr. Bonnie Henry since the pandemic reached B.C. in January.
“We have formulated an exciting, safe and comfortable live music festival,” reads a Coldsnap 2021 release.
“We can’t release many details but know that during the festival week, we will present live music in front of a small but live audience (if permitted by PHO’s), at our usual reasonable ticket price.
“The safety of our audience, artists, volunteers and staff is paramount so please know that we need to stay flexible in our presentation and plans.”
While some residents may be allowed to attend the festival next year, Coldsnap also says it’ll be livestreaming the concerts for free as well.
“We salute, cheer, celebrate and give many thanks and virtual hugs to all our first responders, medical personnel and all other essential workers that continue to work so hard towards the safety of everyone in the community.”
Details about Coldsnap 2021 are coming soon, the Society adds, but the line-up is set to include northern B.C. performers, as well as those visiting from out of town.
It’s daytime outreach series will go virtual this year during the week of the festival.
As of this publication (Nov. 2), there are 412 COVID-19 cases in Northern Health, including 30 active cases, three deaths, one person in critical care and 379 recoveries.
