While the pandemic may have taken away many of our reasons to celebrate, it has not stopped people from getting together to organise festivals and events, anyway — in a safe and responsible manner, of course. The annual Sunburn festival — an Electronic Music Festival — will be held in Goa this year, too, amid the pandemic.
Despite the ongoing health crisis, Percept Live — makers of Sunburn Festival — made the announcement to host the 14th edition of Sunburn Festival in December 2020. This has given music and travel enthusiasts something to look forward to even if the future appears bleak at the moment.
But while the posters of the festival are being shared on official social media platforms, the Herald Goa reports that the residents of Anjuna have raised objection, citing problems of loud music, air pollution and garbage. And while they keep complaining every year, this year they have been opposing a lot more, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, they have also raised the issue with the Tourism Department.
View this post on InstagramLife always has a way of finding its way back up. It’s time to end the year 2020 on a high! We have thought long & hard about how to make Sunburn happen this year. Eventually, we came to the conclusion that life must begin again, and the show must go on. We are grateful to have the support of the authorities in this. Presenting Sunburn Goa 2020 in a completely new avatar. A new beginning. Join us for great music & beautiful vibes at Vagator, Goa, on the 27th, 28th and 29th of December 2020. Fan safety is our utmost priority this year, and for that reason Sunburn Goa 2020 will be a different experience from what you are used to. This is a very limited capacity event, operating at 20% of the total festival capacity. We will be following social distancing norms with every attendee having their designated space in front of the main stage. New entry & exit protocols will be in place to ensure your safe passage to the festival. Limited tickets go live on 4th November at 12 pm – be sure to log in and book your spot under the sun! You have waited long enough for this, and so have we! For more information on the festival layout and all protocols being followed, do check the link in the bio. #SunburnGoa2020 #TheShowMustGOAOn
A post shared by SunburnFestival (@sunburnfestival) on Oct 31, 2020 at 11:30pm PDT
But, according to reports, the festival will begin December 27 at the Vagator beach in Goa. The organisers will only be able to accommodate limited people, keeping with the standard safety protocols, and to ensure social distancing. It is believed that designated zones will be allotted to the attendees to ensure they keep away from one another and enjoy the festival nonetheless. And families and people who have come in groups will socialise within these designated zones only.
“Your safety – our priority. Operating at just 20% of regular capacity, every single attendee will have a designated spot in front of the main stage. Be sure to check the layout & decide where you want to be!” an Instagram post read.
View this post on InstagramYour safety – our priority. Operating at just 20% of regular capacity, every single attendee will have a designated spot in front of the main stage. Be sure to check the layout & decide where you want to be! Here are just some of the measures we will be taking to ensure your safety at Sunburn goa 2020: -Social distancing throughout festival -No Box Office -Contact less entry -Multiple gate entry to avoid any crowding -Time slots for entries to avoid any crowding -Aarogya Setu App Scan -Thermal Scanning & Temperature check -Sanitisation at entry point -Face Masks are compulsory #SunburnGoa2020 #TheShowMustGOAon
A post shared by SunburnFestival (@sunburnfestival) on Nov 2, 2020 at 6:00am PST
If you are looking to visit, make sure you have downloaded the Aarogya Setu app, not just for safety, but also for the verification at the entry gate of the venue. You have to wear face masks at all times, during the entire course of the festival, and there are provisions for thermal scanning, hand washing, and use of hand sanitizers.
And to make sure the festival reaches fans from all around the world, it will also be live-streamed across the Sunburn social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.