SXSW won't be issuing refunds following cancellation over coronavirus concerns

11 March 2020, 10:23 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

(News)

Although the festival was cancelled due to health concerns with the coronavirus outbreak last week, SXSW are still sticking to their strict no-refund policy.

Some people have spent upwards of £700 to go to SXSW this year, but are unable to get refunds following the cancellation of the event last week.

2020 is the first time that SXSW has been cancelled in 34 years.

The festival's participation terms and conditions policy reads, "SXSW does not issue refunds under any circumstances. Any and all payments made to SXSW are not refundable for any reason, including, without limitation, failure to use Credentials due to illness, acts of God, travel-related problems, acts of terrorism, loss of employment and/or duplicate purchases."

SXSW has also had to let go of approximately a third of their full time workforce following the festival cancellation over coronavirus.

Their no-refund policy isn't all doom and gloom though, as SXSW have emailed ticketholders to offer them a choice of deferring their 2020 tickets to 2021, 2022, or 2023. Metro reports that the email says, "In addition 2020 badge purchasers can opt to defer their registration to 2021, 2022, or 2023, with additional benefits that we will update you on as soon as possible."

The likes of Madonna, Little Mix, BTS, Mariah Carey, Green Day, Pearl Jam, and more have also cancelled tours due to the coronavirus outbreak.