Festivals and Concerts are Postponed to Autumn
Big music festivals of Summer - Tbilisi Open Air, Echowaves, Jazz Festivals of Tbilisi and Batumi, music events planned for foreign artists on the big stage of Black Sea Arena - The music industry of Georgia lost its main source of income.
Due to annulling the flights, foreign artists will not be able to participate in the planned events. While the State of Emergency is imposed because of the pandemic, the massive gathering is forbidden.
It is unknown at this time if the industry will be able to be strengthened at the beginning of Autumn.
As organizers of these concerts and festivals noted, the damage caused by a pandemic is huge, but they hope the events will be held at the beginning of Autumn.
"We can't make any predictions about the particular month in which the event will be held yet, since we are dependent on many factors, including the resumption of flights. To leave aside the current situation in tourism, the most important thing is for the artist to come and take part in the festival. We hope to name an exact date by June 25th. Selling the tickets was started, however, after imposing the State of Emergency, we stopped selling them temporarily and gave gifts to everyone who bought tickets in advance. As for the losses, of course, this situation will have a negative impact on the business. We hope, we will overcome this period.", declared Khatia Gelovani, PR and Marketing Manager of Tbilisi Open Air.
In the Black Sea region, Nile Rodgers & CHIC and One Republic should have performed in July and in October. Of course, these concerts are also in question. As Tato Kharchlava, director of Black Sea Arena noted, October is the month in which they consider to hold the concerts. However, detailed information will be announced soon.
"Currently, we are working to save the season. The artists have cancelled the events which were planned for June and July. The concerts which are planned for October can still be held and the season will be at least slightly more active. We are now in the process of clarifying the details and we will make an official announcement soon. As for the damage, it is difficult to determine. The musicians postponed their arrival until next year. This will be very damaging for the festivals because the list of announced artists is already revealed.", said Tato Kharchilava.