High-profile Belgian techno DJ and producer Charlotte de Witte has been forced to cancel her highly anticipated performances in Australia this weekend, due to the aftershock of military strikes and escalating conflict in the Middle East. She was originally scheduled for an exclusive show this Friday, March 6, at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, followed by a headline set at the Pitch Music & Arts festival, set for March 6-10 in Moyston, Victoria. Both of these shows have now been scrapped.

De Witte announced the cancellations via Instagram Stories, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that I have to cancel my upcoming shows in Australia this weekend.” She explained that due to the recent escalation of conflict and drone attacks in the Middle East, it was not possible to ensure risk-free reroute travel for herself and her crew, adding that the decision was not taken lightly and expressing deep regret for the disappointment caused to her fans.

The affected dates were produced by Untitled Group, a Melbourne-based independent festival, concert, and events specialist. Untitled Group issued a statement acknowledging the “ongoing global travel disruptions amid conflict in the Middle East.” They confirmed that while the Sydney show is postponed rather than outright cancelled, a new date is currently being finalized, with an update expected within seven days. All tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled performance, and refund information will be provided once a new show is announced. The priority, according to Untitled Group, remains the safety of Charlotte de Witte and her crew.

Regarding the Pitch Music & Arts festival, the statement from Pitch, also posted on Instagram Stories, indicated that 27 performers for this year’s program were scheduled to travel via stopovers through the Middle East, with their journeys directly impacted. While 25 of these artists successfully managed to be rerouted and will still attend Pitch, Charlotte de Witte and German producer Sedef Adasï are unfortunately no longer able to join this year.

These widespread travel disruptions are attributed to aerial strikes launched on Iran last Saturday, March 28, by the United States, alongside Israel, which were reportedly aimed at targeting Iran’s nuclear program. Following these strikes, Iran responded by firing missiles and drones at Middle Eastern nations allied to the United States. This escalating conflict has raised concerns about the US-Israeli war spreading further. In response to these serious safety risks, the U.S. State Department issued a warning on Monday, advising Americans to “depart now” from 14 countries in the region.