New York’s Governors Ball Music Festival going ahead despite “hazardous” air quality
It’s due to be headlined by Kendrick Lamar, Lizzo, and ODESZA
Governors Ball Music Festival 2023 has said that it will go ahead as planned this weekend despite “hazardous” air quality in New York.
Smoke from over 400 Canadian wildfires swept through the East Coast over the past few days, deeming it the “worst air quality in the world” and topping pollution records around the globe. Schools, restaurants, and attractions closed across the state on Wednesday, June 7.
Annual music festival Governors Ball has announced that it will continue to go ahead from June 9 - 11 despite the air conditions, vouching to “keep check” of the air quality over the weekend.
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Speaking to Pitchfork, a representative from the outdoor festival said that they “acknowledged” the current air quality in New York, but are ensuring the health and safety of attendees.
“We’re closely monitoring the air quality with weather experts and are in close contact with city officials,” they wrote.
“As always, the health and safety of New Yorkers is our top priority. At this time, the festival is continuing as planned. We are hopeful that conditions will improve in the coming days and are looking forward to a great weekend!”
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Yesterday, Governors Ball - which is due to be headlined by Kendrick Lamar, Lizzo, and ODESZA - posted on social media: “Skies are clearing in NYC and conditions are expected to be significantly improved by tomorrow.”
The air quality in New York was deemed “very unhealthy” by Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday, who called it “alarming and concerning” and urged everyone to stay indoors.
On Wednesday, several events were cancelled across New York including the opening night of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival. An on-stage Broadway performance from Jodie Comer was also called off during the matinee after announcing that she “couldn’t breathe”.
In 2019, riots broke out at Governors Ball after the festival was evacuated due to storms. Earlier in 2016, the event was also cancelled citing "severe weather conditions".
[Via Pitchfork]
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter