Kamloops RCMP say there were over 200 people who were part of a ‘music festival protest’ about 13 km up Tranquille Criss Creek Road, west of Kamloops, over the weekend.

Staff Sgt. Bill Wallace says police arrived at the campground on Friday night to find about 200 people camping in motorhomes, tents and trailers. There was also a small stage-like structure set up with loud music playing.

Wallace says there was very little cooperation from attendees at the event, many of whom are believed to have travelled to the area from others parts of B.C. and Alberta.

“These types of events are disheartening and put our frontline officers and those in attendance at great risk to COVID-19,” Wallace said. “If this turns out to be a super-spreader event, these attendees could be potentially bringing COVID-19 home to their parent or grandparent having devastating results.”

It does not appear any arrests were made this weekend but RCMP and the Provincial Health Office continue to investigate. Wallace says the organizers could be fined, if they’re identified.

Music festivals, like other large gatherings and concerts, have been banned in B.C. for the past year because of the inability for people to physical distance from one another.

Just last week, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, said concerns about a third wave of COVID-19 means there won’t be any concerts this summer.

“Things like international travel, international gatherings, large festivals that have people coming from multiple places are not likely to happen this year. Cruise ships coming into B.C. are not going to happen this year either,” Henry said.

Police ask anyone with information on the festival or the organizers to contact the Tk’emlups Rural RCMP detachment at 250-314-1800.