Country music fans in the BC Interior will be disappointed to hear that Merritt’s annual music festival has been cancelled.
Unfortunately, organizers announced they would not be able to host this year’s event due to financial struggles.
“We’ve had the pleasure and honour of producing Rockin’ River Music Fest – bringing country music’s biggest acts to Merritt, BC and creating countless musical memories along the way,” said organizers in a social media post.
The organizers thanked the City of Merritt, artists, volunteers and the hundreds of fans who flocked to the Nicola Valley each year to jam to some of the top artists in country music.
“Many of whom have been loyal since year one. We hope to see you again soon,” said the post.
The announcement was made Friday afternoon and follows several other cancellations of BC music festivals due to money woes.
On Jan. 17, the organizers of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival announced they would not be returning in 2023.
“Our team came up against many challenges in 2022 as they worked hard to put the festival together after two years of COVID-restriction-related cancellations,” said the announcement.
“Unfortunately, these issues have not eased over time and we have exhausted all possible solutions in our efforts to avoid canceling this year.”
Another popular music festival on the West Coast, the Squamish Constellation Festival, has stated they are struggling to raise the funds to host their event this year.
In several Facebook posts, the organizers say they are seeking investors, however, the future of the festival remains uncertain.
