There will be no change in the dates of the Sunburn music festival and the annual four-day mega event will be held as scheduled from December 27-30 this year, the organisers said on Tuesday after the Goa government reportedly said the gala will not be held in the peak winter season from 2016 onwards.
Organisers of Sunburn, however, are now on the lookout for a new venue even as Goa continues to be their first choice.
"Sunburn 2016 will take place as scheduled from December 27 to 30. This is undoubtedly our biggest year and the celebrations will only get bigger with our promise of giving our fans one of most memorable experiences ever," Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn, said in a statement.
This year marks the tenth edition of the fest, which attracts millions of music lovers to the state at a time when another popular gala Vh1 Supersonic is held there too.
Season 9 of Sunburn saw a record-breaking attendance of over 350,000 with fans pouring in from over 52 countries, according to the organisers, who had roped in global artistes such as Kygo, Martin Garrix and David Guetta as headliners.
"Our fans are our No.1 priority and we are excited to see their support as they continue to engage with us on a daily basis. Since a massive festival like Sunburn takes months of preparations, we are reviewing all our viable venue options.
"While Goa has always been home and will always be our first choice, we continue to do all we can to make Goa happen," Singh added.
The Goa government had in 2015 said that the Sunburn and the Supersonic fests, which the state hosts at Vagator and Candolim, respectively, won't be held in the peak season of December 15-January 15 from 2016. They are usually held on the same dates, and the government has concerns over heavy traffic and security issues during that time as tourist footfalls rise significantly.
Now, Sunburn organisers have urged fans to be patient and have assured the wait will be well worth it.
They are already planning added incentives, including a cashless experience with the tech-equipped Sunburn Smart Band which will allow them to avail entry into the festival zone, purchase food and beverage and merchandise at the festival without the hassles of credit cards or cash.
This year, the fans can also enjoy on-site camping, food courts, over 40 experience zones, flea markets and also after-parties.
--IANS
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