Is it the economic downturn? Too many festivals? Artists bagging out their own? Or just good business sense? Melbourne organisers of the Hot BBQ festival have announced it will merge with Summadayze next year.

Hmm there's something in the air regarding Melbourne dance festivals. Global Gathering weathered the storm - both literally and financially - a few weeks back to a half empty Music Bowl. Modular's Nevereverland festival is being bagged by one of its own miffed artists and has now shed a stage, dumping half a dozen bands in the process. Now comes news of the two big New Year's Day dance festivals are merging due to "the current economic climate".

Organisers have announced that the Hot BBQ dance party, which was originally to be held at Birruang Marr on New Years Day will merge with the Summadayze festival at the Myer Music Bowl. Albeit as a scaled down and compromised version.

A statement from organisers blames the stockmarket. “Future Entertainment has said that the current economic climate has hit people hard – and rather than push two events this year, it’s in everyone’s best interests to consolidate. Future Entertainment will be freeing up Summadayze tickets originally put aside for an anti ticket scalping campaign, so that Hot Barbeque ticket holders can be looked after.”

More than twenty acts were confirmed for Hot BBQ 2009 - including bands Ladyhawke, The Herd and The Galvatrons -  yet it seems just a handful of DJ's are surviving the cull. The official statement lists just "Boys Noize, Busy P, Carl Craig, DJ Mehdi, Radioslave, Oliver Huntemann, Steve Aoki and more". Hot BBQ ticketholders are offered the opportunity to swap their tickets for Summadayze tix - despite it being sold out - aupgrading to VIP passes at no extra cost. Alternatively they can get a refund at point of purchase. Or take less drugs more packed lunches.

Here's the line-up as it stands:

SUMMABBQDAYZE

UNDERWORLD Live
ARMIN VAN BUUREN
FERRY CORSTEN
ERIC PRYDZ
CALVIN HARRIS DJ Set
DIGITALISM Live
DAVID MORALES
ADAM FREELAND
CICADA Live
BOYS NOIZE
SWITCH
STEVE AOKI
BUSY P     BUSY P
D.O.N.S feat Terri B Live
MALENTE
STONEBRIDGE
RICHARD DINSDALE
DANIEL KANDI
DJ MEHDI
FORT KNOX FIVE

More info at www.futureentertainment.com.au