Armstrong MetalFest cancelled due to pandemic

Armstrong MetalFest has been cancelled for this year based on recommendations from the provincial health officer.

Provincial health officer Bonnie Henry has said large events will not be happening this summer, and encouraged British Columbians to "think small" for gatherings in a news conference last month.

"The 2020 edition of British Columbia's Armstrong MetalFest has been officially cancelled due to the recommendation by the provincial government for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic," according to the festival's Facebook page.

"We had to make a very difficult decision, but the health of all metal heads who were planning to attend is our number one priority. The members of West Metal Entertainment Society hope everyone can stay safe during these troubling times. Armstrong Metalfest will return in 2021," according to a statement on the Facebook page.

The festival was scheduled to be held July 17 and 18. Tickets that were purchased for the 2020 event can be refunded or kept for future use with the choice of attending one of the next three years of the festival, according to the statement.

To inquire about ticket refunds, email info@armstrongmetalfest.ca.

READ MORE: Bliss Bakery re-opens in Okanagan with physical distancing measures

READ MORE: Westside Daze, May Days and other signature Okanagan summer events are cancelled

To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.