Kelowna’s popular end of summer music festival, Denim on the Diamond has been postponed.
Organizers made the announcement today as three out-of-control wildfires continue to burn in the Central Okanagan.
Denim was scheduled for Friday, Sept. 1, and Saturday, Sept. 2, over the Labour Day long weekend, at Kings Stadium in downtown Kelowna.
It was meant to be the final Denim on the Diamond, as the festival is expected to move to a bigger venue in 2024, but organizers maintain that one last celebration at Kings is still in the cards.
“There are a lot of unknowns at the moment - but what we do know is that when everyone’s needs have been met and it is safe to do so WE WILL create a space for our community to safely gather and reconnect after being under immense stress and worry,” explained a release from the team.
“Once we have the dates confirmed we’ll be in touch with ticket exchanges and ensure everyone is made whole.”
Like thousands of others in the Central Okanagan, the Denim team has been displaced by the fires and that includes an unfathomable amount of movement for co-founder Kurt Jory.
His family has been evacuated from three different properties, as new fires seemed to follow them from West Kelowna to Wilden to Lake Country.
“Over 15,000 of you, and other community members, have been displaced from your homes, and many have now learned they won’t have a home to go back to. We are with you in the fact that we still don’t know the status of our homes,” the release noted.
“In times of adversity, community character shines through and we are proud of how our community has stepped up for each other to keep people safe, fed, and a roof over our heads. Thank you.”
Anyone who was planning to come to Denim from outside Kelowna is urged to reach out to their hotel or accommodations and let them know, and the team expressed gratitude for people’s patience during these trying times.
“We believe in the healing power of music, and we are thankful for you supporting us through these challenging times,” said the release.
“We will be in touch with more details in the coming weeks as we work with city stakeholders and artist touring dates to create a space we can gather together soon.”
British Columbia remains under a state of emergency, while local state of emergencies are in place in West Kelowna, Kelowna and Lake Country, due to the unprecedented wildfire situation.
