Ultra representatives have stated that the letter is a fake and was not sent by the Ultra Europe team. A full statement is below.
UPDATE: Ultra Denies
We are in constant contact with the City of Split, experts from the Croatian Government, Civil Protection Office and Public Health Authorities about the current situation, and will continuously monitor and respond to developments as they happen.
Ultra Representative
Frankly, this statement does not exactly say much and does little to change the general assumption that Ultra Europe will be forced to cancel. When that will happen is anybody’s guess. Tickets remain on sale.
Original Story
Over the past week, many major summer music festivals in Western Europe including Tomorrowland have been canceled due to COVID-19. Now the same fate has reportedly befallen a festival in Southeast Europe: Ultra Europe. This is the third Ultra domino to fall as Ultra Abu Dhabi and Miami were 2 of the first festivals to cancel due to the pandemic.
Ultra Europe was set to celebrate its eighth edition in Split, Croatia, from July 10 to 12. But a post emerged on Reddit on Thursday showing the Ultra Europe team alerting media representatives of the impending cancelation. Reportedly, Ultra Europe sent a note to Croatian journalists with the update.
The statement was posted in a subreddit for Ultra Music Festival by user AfroDashAvi. As of the time of the posting, Ultra Europe tickets were still on sale on its website. We also have no word on Resistance Ibiza, although tickets have not been advertised or announced. With the news concerning Ibiza we doubt that will happen either.
A Facebook comment from Ultra Europe 6 days ago indicated the festival was not canceled.
Coronavirus Cancelations
Ultra Europe’s apparent no-go comes after Tomorrowland announced its cancelation last week. On Tuesday, the Dutch Prime Minister banned all events through September 1, including Awakenings, Decibel Outdoor, and Mysteryland.
Croatia has experienced far fewer coronavirus cases (1,981) compared to Belgium (42,797) and the Netherlands (35,729), according to the Worldometer tracker on Thursday. However, people from all over Europe and internationally travel to Croatia for Ultra Europe.
Ultra Europe’s cancelation for 2020 follows its controversial move from its longtime home at Poljud Stadium to nearby Mladeži Park for the first time last year. After facing criticism for grass damage at the venue, Ultra organizers were unable to sign a contract for Poljud Stadium. Ultra organizers framed the move to Mladeži Park through 2022 as better for its growing attendance.
The lineup for Ultra Europe included Above & Beyond, Adam Beyer, Afrojack, Armin van Buuren, Charlotte De Witte, David Guetta, Marshmello, Nicky Romero, Oliver Heldens, Pendulum, Richie Hawtin, Steve Aoki, and Vini Vici.
While countless events have been canceled since the pandemic started, the Ultra brand was the first to be hit. First Ultra Abu Dhabi, then the flagship Ultra in Miami, and likely many more of its editions worldwide.