Ottawa Bluesfest cancels 2020 event

The 2020 edition of Ottawa Bluesfest is cancelled because of COVID-19.

Executive director Mark Monahanmade the announcement Tuesday morning,saying organizers reached the decision after speaking to health authorities, government officials and ticket holders.

Ticket holders can get refunds starting Friday, but Monahan encouraged them to hold onto their passesfor next year's event.

"We encourage you to think about keeping your ticket for next year, which will help support our local non-profit organization to continue to retain our staff, employ local artists, and deliver an exceptional festival in 2021," he wrote.

Some acts booked for this year's festivalincluding blink-182, Boyz II Men, Jack Johnson and Lil Tecca, have already been rebooked for next year, he said.

Bluesfest was going to bring Alanis Morissette, Rage Against the Machine, Marshmello and more to LeBreton Flats July 9 to 19.

This follows the cancellationof other popular events including theOttawa Jazz Festivaland Canada Day celebrationsbecause of COVID-19 gathering restrictions.

Ottawa won't be issuing any event permits until July at the earliest, while Quebec has said it's unlikely to host any festivals this summer.