Fire has destroyed a stage at Botanic Park in Adelaide just hours after the iconic world music festival, WOMADelaide, came to a close, with English singer-songwriter Billy Bragg played the festival’s final set.
Emergency services were called to the stage in Adelaide’s Botanic Park just before 6.30am (CDT) on Tuesday. The ABC reports the Metropolitan Fire Service said the blaze was tackled by fire crews after it broke out at the rear of the 30-metre-square stage.
The cause of the early morning fire is still under investigation. A fire service spokeswoman said the fire was put out within 30 minutes but there has been extensive damage to the stage and equipment, estimated between $150,000 and $250,000. More than 20,000 world music lovers flocked to Adelaide this the long weekend for the music event.
The mammoth lineup included the likes of Femi Kuti & the Positive Force, Washington, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Neko Case and Arrested Development, as well as activities for kids, street theatre and visual artists, cooking and environmental discussion programs and more food, retail and charity stalls that you can shake a stick at.
A sad end to a wonderful weekend as Womadelaide stage damaged by fire. http://t.co/wwO7zGW7Kt
— Amanda (@lambsearshoney) March 10, 2014
Fire's destroyed a third of main stage at #Womad this morning,at least 10 fire trucks here,cause unknown @1395FIVEaa pic.twitter.com/NjP7dr8RDQ
— FIVEaa News Director (@MatthewPantelis) March 10, 2014
