PANAJI
Organisers of the controversial yet popular Electronic Dance Music (EDM) Festival -- Sunburn -- on Friday opened up a new front for venue selection saying this year's edition will be held at a venue in South Goa for three days from December 28.
In a statement posted on its verifed @SunburnFestival handle on micro-blogging site 'X' (formerly Twitter) the Sunburn EDM festival organisers said: “This year, immerse yourself into the ultimate blend of music and a surreal underwater experience in our stunning new South Goa home. From 28th to 30th December.”
In the 'X' post, the organisers also announced the kick-off of ticket sales via the online booking portal "bookmyshow".
Leader of the Opposition, Yuri Alemao, expressed concern over the EDM festival moving to South Goa after seventeen years of being hosted in the North and dodging controversies including some deaths of guests around the venue allegedly related to substance overdose.
Alemao also took to 'X' to take a dig at Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte for letting the controversial festival move to the South saying: "After converting North Goa into Drug and Crime Hub, @BJP4Goa Govt. under @DrPramodPSawant & @TourismGoa Minister @RohanKhaunte are now setting their evil eye on South Goa."
Alemao went on to add that it was another attempt of taking revenge of Lok Sabha defeat by allowing @SunburnFestival in South Goa in 2024.
Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), meanwhile, reacted positively to the news, saying it will boost tourism in South Goa and put it on the World music map.
"Sunburn has significantly boosted tourism in Goa, helping the local economy and various businesses. As a world-class musical event, we expect Sunburn to do the same in South Goa. The festival will put South Goa on the world music map and stimulate business in sectors such as hotels, food and beverage, transport and more," said Jack Sukhija, who heads TTAG.
