Essence Fest 2020 Moving Forward as Planned, Despite Coronavirus Concerns

Amid a growing lineup of postponed or canceled industry events in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, Essence Communications has issued a statement that it is planning to proceed with its 2020 Essence Festival of Culture -- at least for now. Scheduled for July 1-5 in New Orleans, the festival will feature headliners Bruno Mars and Janet Jackson.

Noting that “our first priority will always be the safety and well-being of our Festival-goers and everyone who contributes” to the annual event, the Essence Communications statement says in part, “Based on the latest information, including increasing public health interventions and measures being implemented domestically and internationally, and the considerable amount of time to assess and respond to developments between now and July, we are planning to proceed with the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture as currently scheduled, July 1-5 in New Orleans. 

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/festivals/9335039/2020-essence-festival-moving-forward-july