Goa cops against back-to-back EDM fests, organisers adamant

Panaji (Goa), July 20 (ANI): The Goa Police on Wednesday objected to two Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festivals scheduled to be held in North Goa in quick succession during the Christmas-New Year rush. "Even last year we had requested that no two EDM festivals should be held at the same time, especially in the same district. We will oppose it this time too, if there are requests," Inspector General of Police Sunil Garg told ANI Goa hosted several EDM festivals in the last week of December 2015, the most popular ones were Sunburn and Supersonic. According to reports, hosting two events simultaneously puts a lot of pressure on the state's security apparatus, especially at a time when tourists' season is at peak. 'Sunburn' one of the world's largest dance music festivals was the first EDM to be held in Goa starting in 2007 after which 'Supersonic' festivals entered the state. Sunburn, has announced that the annual four-day mega event will go on as scheduled from December 27 to 30 and that there will no change in the dates since they are synonymous with the festival since inception. The festival organisers have urged fans to be patient and have assured the wait will be well worth it. Sunburn CEO Karan Singh stated that the event will take place as scheduled. "This is undoubtedly our biggest year and the celebrations will only get bigger with our promise of giving our fans one of most memorable experiences ever. Our fans are our number one priority and we are excited to see their support as they continue to engage with us on a daily basis," he said. "Since a massive festival like Sunburn takes months of preparations, we are reviewing all our viable venue options while Goa has always been home and will always be our first choice and we continue to do all we can to make Goa happen. We'd also like to thank our partners and sponsors for being a part of our journey and look forward to their continuing support in the seasons to come," he added. Sunburn has not only considerably contributed to the Goa's economy, but has also put India and particularly Goa on the world map as a Mecca for dance music enthusiasts. The festival has also helped provide local employment and boost resident businesses. Sunburn officials are currently in talks with the Goa government and a conclusion on the same is expected soon. While other venue options are being evaluated to give fans a grand experience for Sunburn 10, there wouldn't be a change in the dates. As a part of the 10th year celebration, Sunburn will give fans a larger than life experience with added incentives including a cashless experience with the tech-equipped Sunburn Smart Band which will allow them to avail entry into the festival zone, purchase F&B and merchandise at the festival without the hassles of credit cards or cash. In addition fans can expect a world class experience with on-site camping options, the fan village, an extensive array of food courts, 40+ experience zones, flea markets, chopper rides, after parties among others. Season 9 saw a record breaking attendance of over 350,000 footfalls for the 4 day festival with fans pouring over from over 52 countries. It also saw one of the best global artist line-up with headliners such as DVLM, Kygo, Martin Garrix and David Guetta among others. (ANI)