Festival d't de Qubec latest to cancel summer event

For the first time in more than 50 years, there will be no summer music festival in Quebec City.

The Festival d't de Qubec(FEQ) announced Thursdayit will not be holding its 2020 edition because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, organizers said it would be "neither prudentnor realistic for the organization to continue its efforts" to organize this year's festival, which was set to take place from July 9 to 19.

This year's headliners included Rage Against the Machine, Jack Johnson, Rod Stewart and Imagine Dragons.

On Wednesday, Premier Franois Legaulthammeredthe last nail in the coffin for most of Quebec's large summer gatherings, predicting that the two-metre physical-distancing rule would likely be required for "several months."

"The two-metre rule will be extended over a longer period, so it's unlikely we'll be able to have any kind of festival this summer," Legault said.

The FEQ's general managerAnne Hudonsaid organizers made the decision "with a heavy heart."

"We kept our hopes up for a long time," said Hudon.

"But it was becoming too difficult, and we made this decision for the safety of our festival-goers and for public health."

People who have already purchased a festival pass will get a full refund.

Montreal MayorValrie Plante said Tuesday that all festivals, sporting events and public gatherings are cancelled until July 2.

'Disaster' for tourism industry

More than 80,000 tourists visit the Quebec City region to attend the festival, bringing $30 millionin economic spin-offs to the region, according to the city's tourism board,l'Office du tourisme de Qubec.

Director Benot Pigeon said the cancellationis "a disaster for Quebec City."

"But these are extraordinary circumstances, and there isn't much we can do," said Pigeon.

He is also concerned cancelling this summer's edition could have a domino effecton future events.

The tourism board is able to help finance organizations like the FEQ, Pigeon said, thanks to the three-per-cent accommodation tax hotels charge tourists.

With fewer visitors to Quebec City, the board will have less income to help those large events financially.

"It's going to be difficult," Pigeon said. "So we hope there will be programs available to allow us to continue keeping those organizations alive."

On Thursday, Legault said Culture MinisterNathalie Roy and Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx were already looking at ways to support those industries, once the crisis has passed.

"It will be tough" for those industries to rebound,Legault acknowledged,promising that when"the right time comes" and people are allowed to gather in large groups, the government will be there for them.

"Culture having fun together it's important for our society," said Legault. "So when the time comes,we'll help them financially."