The event has grown over the last few years to host over 4000 visitors, and is highly regarded as one of Australia's most important Indigenous cultural events

While organisers had originally moved the event from June to September, they have now cited the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in cancelling altogether for 2020.

Skinnyfish Music organise the festival, and Music Events Coordinator Brad Firebrace said community safety had to be number one priority.

"It is with great sadness that we inform you that Barunga Festival 2020 has now been cancelled," he said.

"After consultation with the Barunga committee, we feel it is in the best interest of the Barunga community that it not go ahead this year.

We look forward to bringing you a bigger and better festival in 2021!" Mr Firebrace said.

Organisers say this year's resources will be committed to a massive return for the festival from 11-13 June 2021.

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"By focusing attention and resources on next year's festival we will ensure the safety of our remote communities," a Skinnyfish spokesman said.

"It also gives us the opportunity to put on the biggest event the region has ever seen once we're able to come back together, after everything is safe, and celebrate the way we know Barunga can!

"Mark your diary, book your travel and we'll see you next year," they said..

Refunds for Barunga Festival are available for current ticket holders via Moshtix.

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