The Victoria Jazz Society has announced that the 2020 Vancouver Island Blues Bash has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement made on their website and social media, organizers say that due to federal government imposing non-essential travel restrictions on foreign and U.S. nationals and the provincial ban on gatherings exceeding 50 people, it is not feasible for the festival to take place.

The non-profit society goes on to say when the pandemic has run its course they will be prepared to bring live music back.

Vancouver Island Blues Bash was originally scheduled to take place at Ship Point from September 5 to 7, 2020. This year would have been the 27th edition of the festival.

Vancouver Island Blues Bash Cancelled