It was inevitable after the Diamantina Shire Council announced it was closing its borders for the winter tourist season but the organisers of the the Birdsville Big Red Bash announced on Friday that the 2020 event would not be going ahead.
The good news is that the world's most remote music festival will be going ahead, with the same line-up, in July 2021.
The Bash was set for July 7-9 this year and event founder Greg Donovan announced the 2020 cancellation with a heavy heart.
The event has become so popular that the 10,000 tickets for this year were sold within a month of sales opening up last September.
Mr Donovan said he knew the decision, done to contain the spread of coronavirus, would impact the musicians, who have had all their gigs cancelled, and the outback communities who received much-needed income from the tourist trade the festival brought.
"But the best thing we can all do at the moment is stay home and stay safe," he said.
Reminiscing:
Ticket-holders were advised of the decision on Friday and assured that all of the Australian artists remained committed to being part of the Bash on its rescheduled dates, from July 6-8, 2021.
Australian music legends recommitting include Paul Kelly, Ian Moss, Tim Finn, John Williamson, Kate Ceberano, Glenn Shorrock, Thirsty Merc, Ross Wilson, Shannon Noll, Dragon, The Radiators, Mi-Sex, Wendy Matthews, Vika & Linda, Mark Gable, Steve Balbi, Chocolate Starfish, Bjorn Again, and Caitlyn Shadbolt.
Ticket holders have been given the option of holding onto their ticket, which automatically becomes valid for the 2021 Big Red Bash.
Those who would like a refund will have that option for the next six months, with the refund cut-off falling on September 30, 2020.
Any 2020 Big Red Bash tickets that are refunded will be placed back on sale for the 2021 event, with the first round of refunded tickets expected to go back on sale in May this year.
A list of FAQs, including procedures for refunds for ticket holders, has been posted online.
Mr Donovan said the Big Red Bash team sincerely thanked everyone for their understanding and support.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all Australians who are facing increasing challenges at this unprecedented time," he said. "We look forward to bringing people together from every corner of this great land, gathering under the desert skies to celebrate Australian music and mateship in July 2021."