The City of Kamloops and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation has cancelled the 2020 edition of Music in the Park due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It comes on the same day that the Kamloopa Powwow was officially cancelled after word from Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, that there won’t be large events held this summer.

“This event is the longest running music festival in Kamloops, and its absence will be felt by many residents,” said Mayor Ken Christian. “Although summer in Kamloops will look different than past years, I know that our residents will continue to follow provincial directions and find safe ways to stay connected.”

Music in the Park is held every July and August at Riverside Park. The cancellation comes after other major summer festivals including Canada Day celebrations and RibFest were both cancelled last week.

“BCLC has supported Music in the Park since day one and we look forward to bringing the community back together to celebrate – when the time is right,” added BCLC Interim President and CEO Greg Moore.

“While the special community concerts of Music in the Park and Midsummer Music Jam are a summer staple in Kamloops, we are putting community health and safety first.”