"Under conditions of the current emergency situation, we have looked for a working model for this year's festival, which would mitigate the risks of the virus spreading and would also help to offer participation to all the 3,000 people who have already obtained a passport. After analyzing the situation very thoroughly and consulting with experts, we came to a consensus that this is not possible," the festival´s website announced.

1,000 people can participate in both of the concert days, as per government regulations which allow that ceiling for public events in July and August.

Performers will only be domestic ones this year as well.

"We already know that performers are going to be from Estonia," the manager of the festival´s program, Tarmo Noormaa, said.

Passes for the Viljandi Folk Music Festival bought for 2020 can be used next year, or refunded. If possible, the organizers ask not to take the latter option, but to use it in 2021.

The Viljandi-based Estonian traditional music center (Eesti pärimusmuusika keskus) not-for-profit is laying off half its workforce, 10 people, citing the coronavirus pandemic and its fallout, and the need to comply with regulations governing such organizations, ERR News wrote.

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