GA-SUNBURN

The tourism department of Goa has

given "in principle" approval for hosting Sunburn EDM festival

in the state next month, a minister said Thursday.

Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said final approval

for the popular music event will be given only when its

promoter fulfils the criteria laid down by the Goa government.

Sunburn, which celebrated its decade-long stint in the

coastal state, was being held outside Goa for the last two

years.

"Everybody wants EDMs back in Goa. We have taken a

decision to give in principle approval to Sunburn Klassique to

host the festival (in February)," Ajogankar said in a press

statement here.

"However, final approval will be given only when the

promoter fulfils the criteria laid down by the government," he

added.

The promoter of Sunburn,Percept Live, the wholly

owned subsidiary of Percept Ltd, has announced a collaboration

with Goa-based nightlife and promotions giant Klassique to

co-promote all Sunburn events in the state.

"SunburnKlassique" is to be held on February 23 and

24 at Vagator beach in North Goa.

"Sunburn introduced the concept of dance music

toIndia and has aided in building music tourism across India.

"Over the last 12years we haveevolved from being

just a music festival to an aspirational brandwith millions

of loyalists," said Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn.

"Wehope our return to Goa is truly memorable and

magical and we canonceagain build Goa into a thriving music

destination," he said.